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Reduction Mammoplasty: Intraoperative Weight Versus Pathology Weight and Its Implications
Matthew R Zeiderman1, Shahrooz Sean Kelishadi1, John Paul Tutela1
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hiram C. Polk Jr. M.D. Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Ky.
Eplasty
|November 10, 2017
Summary
Specimen weight decreases significantly from intraoperative measurement to pathology report due to tissue desiccation and handling. These weight discrepancies can impact insurance reimbursement for reduction mammoplasty procedures.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Medical Economics
Background:
- Reduction mammoplasty is effective for macromastia, but insurance reimbursement often relies on specific weight criteria.
- Tissue handling and desiccation can alter specimen weight before pathology evaluation.
- Discrepancies between intraoperative and pathology weights may affect insurance coverage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine discrepancies between intraoperative and pathology specimen weights in reduction mammoplasty.
- To assess the impact of these weight differences on insurance reimbursement and surgical practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of 25 reduction mammoplasty cases (48 specimens) from 2007-2010.
- Comparison of intraoperative weights with final pathology weights.
- Statistical analysis using the 2-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.
Main Results:
- Specimens showed an average 7% decrease in weight from intraoperative to pathology evaluation.
- Average weight loss was 48g, with pathology weights consistently lower than intraoperative weights (P < .001).
- Observed weight discrepancies ranged from +11% to -45%.
Conclusions:
- Tissue desiccation and handling lead to significant specimen weight reduction.
- Weight discrepancies between intraoperative and pathology measurements can complicate insurance reimbursement.
- Surgeons and patients should be aware of these discrepancies to navigate reimbursement issues effectively.
