Prevention of Seroma Formation in Abdominoplasty with Absorbable Running Barbed Arch Suture (ARBAS) Technique

Abdominoplasty is a widely performed cosmetic procedure aimed at improving abdominal contour and function. Seroma formation, with an incidence of approximately 10.9%, remains a common and challenging complication. Traditional preventive measures like suction drains and progressive tension sutures (PTS) are effective but can increase operative time and patient discomfort. To address these limitations, the Absorbable Running Barbed Arch Suture (ARBAS) technique was introduced, aiming to simplify wound closure while preventing fluid accumulation.

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the ARBAS technique in preventing seroma formation and its impact on operative time and recovery.

A retrospective observational study was conducted on 74 patients who underwent abdominoplasty with or without rectus diastasis repair between April 2021 and May 2023. All surgeries were performed by a single senior surgeon using the ARBAS technique. The primary endpoint was seroma incidence; secondary endpoints included drainage volume, duration of drainage, and total operative time.

No postoperative seromas were observed. Average drainage volume decreased from 36 ml on day one to 19 ml on day two, allowing early drain removal within 48 hours for most patients. The ARBAS technique added only 8 minutes to the operative time-significantly less than PTS. No major complications, such as infection, hematoma, or flap necrosis, were reported.

The ARBAS technique is a safe and efficient method for seroma prevention in abdominoplasty. It shortens operative time compared to traditional methods, supports faster recovery, and enhances patient comfort. Further multicenter studies are recommended to validate these results and promote its widespread adoption.

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