Evaluating Outcomes and Weight Loss After Panniculectomy

Area of Science:

• Abdominal Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Bariatric Surgery Outcomes

Background:

• Panniculectomy is a surgical procedure to remove excess abdominal skin and fat.
• Long-term outcomes and weight loss following panniculectomy require further investigation, especially in diverse patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term outcomes and weight loss associated with panniculectomy.
• To identify factors influencing weight loss and complication rates after panniculectomy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 225 patients undergoing panniculectomy between 2002 and 2020.
• Analysis of demographic variables, comorbidities, prior bariatric surgery, and postoperative outcomes, including BMI changes and complications.

Main Results:

• A significant long-term reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI) was observed in patients with higher preoperative BMI.
• Patients without prior bariatric surgery experienced greater weight loss compared to those with prior bariatric surgery (71.6% vs 57.6%).
• High complication rates (40%) included infection (17%) and delayed wound healing (16%). Prior bariatric surgery reduced complication risk (P=0.012), while smoking and concomitant hernia repair increased it.

Conclusions:

• Panniculectomy can lead to postoperative weight loss, particularly in patients without a history of bariatric surgery.
• Complications are frequent, with smoking and concurrent hernia repair being significant risk factors.
• While prior bariatric surgery is associated with fewer complications, it may reduce the extent of weight loss achieved post-panniculectomy.