Operating on the Edge? Body Contouring Procedures in Patients with Body Mass Index Greater 35

Analysis of laboratory markers in body contouring procedures after bariatric surgery does not indicate particular risks for perioperative complications

BACKGROUND

Body contouring surgery after massive weight loss is associated with different risk factors. Wound healing disorders and seromas commonly occur postoperatively. Bariatric interventions lead to massive weight loss with excess skin and soft tissue. In this study, perioperatively collected laboratory markers of this special patient population were analyzed.

METHODS

Fifty-nine patients were analyzed retrospectively regarding bariatric surgery, weight loss, body contouring surgery, laboratory markers, and complication rates.

RESULTS

Body contouring surgery (n = 117) was performed in 59 patients. Weight loss was achieved after gastric bypass (40.1%), gastric banding (33.9%), or sleeve gastrectomy (26.0%), with an average of 69.2 kg. The most common body contouring procedure included abdominoplasty (n = 50), followed by thigh lift (n = 29), mammaplasty (n = 19), brachioplasty (n = 14), and upper body lift (n = 5). Analysis of laboratory markers revealed no exceptional and clinically relevant variations. Correlation analysis revealed associations between resection weight, amount of drain fluid, and particular laboratory markers.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of perioperative laboratory markers in this special patient population after massive weight loss did not indicate clinically relevant risk factors regardless of the type of bariatric or body contouring surgery. Body contouring surgeries after bariatric interventions prove to be safe and low risk concerning perioperative laboratory markers and postoperative hospitalization.

[Postbariatric plastic surgery for body reconstruction]

Massive weight loss following bariatric surgery is often accompanied by functional impairments due to the resulting excess skin and soft tissues. To achieve both functional reconstruction and restoration of the body silhouette, it is imperative to undergo body contouring surgery involving the strategic transposition of tissues. Several surgical techniques are available for the affected body regions and their application for treatment is determined by the unique circumstances specific to each patient. When conducted by skilled practitioners, postbariatric body reconstruction can be executed safely, leading to outcomes that are both functionally and esthetically satisfying, ultimately contributing to an enhanced quality of life for patients. This article provides the fundamental principles for patient selection, surgical preparation, treatment planning, surgical techniques and the postoperative care following bariatric surgery.

Safety and utility of panniculectomy in renal transplant candidates and end stage renal disease patients

BACKGROUND

As the obesity crisis in the United States continues, some renal transplantation centers have liberalized their BMI criteria necessary for transplant eligibility. More individuals with larger body-habitus related comorbidities with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) now qualify for renal transplantation (RT). Surgical modalities from other fields also interact with this patient population.

METHODS

In order to assess surgical outcomes of panniculectomy in the context of renal transplantation and ESRD, the authors performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Due to a paucity of existing primary studies, we retrospectively collected data on patients with ESRD undergoing panniculectomy from the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) to evaluate outcomes of body contouring in this patient population.

RESULTS

From the systematic review, a total of 783 ESRD patients underwent panniculectomy among the studies identified. Of these, 91 patients underwent panniculectomy simultaneously to RT while 692 had their pannus resected prior to kidney transplant. The most common complication was hematoma followed by wound dehiscence. From the NSQIP database, 24 868 patients met the inclusion criteria for analysis. In the setting of renal transplant status, patients with diabetes, hypertension requiring medication, and requiring dialysis were more likely to suffer postoperative complications (OR 1.31, 1.15, and 2.2, respectively). However, upon sub-analysis of specific types of complications, the only retained association was between diabetes and wound complication.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary data show that panniculectomy in ESRD patients appears to be safe, though with a nominal increased risk for complications. Pannus resection does not appear to impact post-transplantation outcomes, including long-term allograft survival. Larger, higher powered, randomized studies are needed to confirm the safety, utility, and medical benefit of panniculectomy in the context of renal transplantation.

[Abdominoplasties and Suppurative Hydradenitis (Acne inversa) in Patients after Massive Weight Loss]

Post-bariatric surgical procedures in patients after massive weight loss (MWL) are often associated with elevated minor and major complications (17-55%). If there is additionally a long history of hydradenitis suppurativa (HS) in the lower abdomen and groin area, complications of infection can appear in all patients. Differentiated pre-, peri- and postoperative therapy regime is then indicated.From 2010 to 2021, a total of 12 (66.6% women, 33.3% men) consecutive patients underwent conventional (Pittsburg rating scale [PRS]: Grade 2) or fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty (PRS: Grade 3) after massive weight loss. All patients simultaneously suffered long term HS in the lower abdomen and groin area (Hurley classification Grade 2: n = 10, Grade 3: n = 2). The prevalence in our study was 1.09%.Postoperative minor and major complications (follow-up 12 months) are determined and correlated with risk factors (e.g. age, method of weight loss, nicotine abuse…).Mean age was 45.2 years (± 10.3), mean BMI pre-operative 33.24 kg/m² (± 8.7), the mean decrease in BMI was 19.01 kg/m² (± 5.9) and the maximum BMI before weight loss 52.25 kg/m². The mean duration of the suppurative hydradenitis was 31.5 years and n = 2 (17.0%) had current medical therapy against this. All patients showed further locations of the HS in other parts of the body and 66.6% had had surgical procedures because of the HS. 42.0% had nicotine abuse. The mean operation time was 98 minutes and the mean resection weight was 2210 grams. The overall complication rate was n = 10 (83.0%), and the rate of major complications n = 8 (66.4%) with surgical intervention in full anaesthesia. No patient had an infected haematoma, abscess or acute bleeding in the first 24 hours postoperatively.The antibiotic regime prevented the expected soft tissue infection in all patients. Inspection of the abdomen and groin area 4 weeks before surgery is recommended, in order to start preoperative therapy for the HS.

Incidence of Complications Associated With Lipectomy Techniques and Patient Body Mass Index: An Institutional and National Analysis Using the Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons

INTRODUCTION

An evaluation of complication rates in different abdominal lipectomy techniques with relationship to body mass index (BMI) and other risk factors.

METHODS

We identified patients who underwent an abdominal lipectomy at our institution from January 2015 to July 2020. Those with concurrent hernia repair were excluded. Patients were classified into 2 groups: (1) horizontal lipectomy with or without umbilical translocation and (2) inverted-T lipectomy with translocation. Demographics, operative details, and postoperative complications were collected for 1 year postoperatively. Bivariate analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with type of procedure and complications. Crude and stratum-specific (based on BMI) odds ratios for complications were calculated for the inverted T as compared with the horizontal group. A replicate analysis using the national Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons (TOPS) as a single cohort was performed.

RESULTS

At our institution, 362 patients (group 1 = 196, group 2 = 166) were included. A total of 40.9% of patients experienced at least one complication at 1 year postoperatively with the complication rate decreasing to 28.0% when analyzed at the 30-day postoperative period. Specifically, wound disruption rates were highest in group 2 (39.8%) compared with group 1 (15.6%; P < 0.0001). The odds of experiencing a complication were greater in the inverted-T group overall and within each stratum of BMI. When dividing the cohort based on BMI class (normal weight, overweight, class I, class II, and class III obesity), the incidence of wound disruption increased as did BMI (2.6%, 22.2%, 27.2%, 48.2%, and 56.3%, respectively; P < 0.0001). The TOPS data set included 23,067 patients and showed an overall complication rate of 13.1% at 30-day postop. Overall, wound disruption rate was 4.6%. Compared with normal weight patients, the odds of experiencing a complication trended higher with each stratum of BMI. Other factors associated with complications included BMI, tobacco use, diabetes, American Society of Anesthesiology, prior massive weight loss, and LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

The increasing complication rate within each BMI stratum of the large sample size of the TOPS patient cohort, in addition to our similar institutional trends, suggests that a staged procedure may be more appropriate for higher BMI patients. Surgical technique modification with limited flap undermining in patients undergoing inverted-T lipectomy to preserve flap perfusion may also decrease overall complication rates.

BMI and Revision Surgery for Abdominoplasties: Complication Definitions Revisited Using the Clavien-Dindo Classification

After body contouring surgery of the lower trunk (CSLT), the definition, rate (4%-70%), and documentation of complications vary.

Objectives

We analyzed the effect of risk factors on the outcome based on the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) after CSLT surgery and polled postoperative satisfaction among patients.

Methods

All patients undergoing CSLT from 2001 to 2016 were included and were classified according to the CDC for postoperative events. Statistical analysis included proportional odds logistic regression analysis. We polled patients to grade their satisfaction with the postoperative result and whether they would have the operation performed again.

Results

A total of 265 patients were included: 60 (22.6%), 25 (9.4%), 28 (10.6%), and 21 (7.9%) were in CDC grades I, II, IIIa, and IIIb, respectively. A high preoperative body mass index significantly increased the odds for a postoperative event requiring revision surgery under general anesthesia (CDC grade IIIb, odds ratio 0.93, 95% confidence interval 0.89-0.97, P = 0.001). One-hundred twenty-eight patients (48.3%) participated in the poll: 101 (78.9%) were either happy or content with the postoperative results, and 117 (91.4%) would have the procedure performed again, including all nine patients with CDC grade IIIb.

Conclusions

Our results confirm that a high body mass index is a statistically significant risk factor for requiring major revision surgery after CSLT. Despite being a complication prone intervention, postoperative satisfaction after CSLT was ranked favorably in our sample. We recommend that the CDC be used in all surgical specialties to evaluate complications and permit future comparability of pooled data.

[The effect of body mass index on outcome of body contouring surgeries]

BACKGROUND

The generalization of bariatric surgery interventions has led in recent years to an explosion in demand for body contouring surgeries. These operations can be followed by postoperative complications; and residual obesity, defined by a BMI≥30, is traditionally considered as a relative contraindication. The objective is to study the influence of a BMI≥30 on the risk of postoperative complications.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on all patients who underwent body contouring surgery between 2014 and 2020 at the Arras Hospital Center. Major complication rates were compared in obese and non-obese patients.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-three patients were included, representing a total of 247 surgeries: 124 in the BMI<30 group and 123 in the BMI≥30 group. Sixteen surgeries were followed by at least one major complication, 6 in group I versus 10 in group II (RR=1.7 (0.6-4.5), NS, P=0.29). Therefore there were not significantly more major complications in obese patients.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of major complications following body contouring surgeries is not modified by the presence of a BMI greater than 30, subject to a precautionary procedure adapted to each patient. BMI is therefore not a sufficient criterion to contraindicate this type of surgery.

The Global Prevalence of Seroma After Abdominoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Abdominoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed worldwide. Seroma is also the most common local complication associated with abdominoplasty, which increases care costs, reduces patient satisfaction, and has serious complications for patients. Results of previous studies report different levels of seroma prevalence after abdominoplasty. The aim of this study is to standardize the statistics of the prevalence of seroma after abdominoplasty using meta-analysis.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, data from studies conducted on the global prevalence of seroma after abdominoplasty was extracted using the keywords "Prevalence, Epidemiology, Complications, Abdominoplasty, Seroma, and Lipo abdominoplasty" in the databases of Science, Scientific Information Database, MagIran, Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar search engine without time limit until October 2020. The random-effects model was used to analyze the eligible studies, and the heterogeneity of the studies was investigated with the I² index. Data analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2).

RESULTS

In reviewing 143 studies (five studies related to Asia, 55 studies related to Europe, three studies related to Africa, and 80 studies related to the Americas) with a total sample size of 27834 individuals, the global prevalence of seroma after abdominoplasty was obtained as 10.9% (95% CI: 9.3-3.6.6%) and the highest prevalence of seroma was related to the Europe continent with 12.8% (95% CI: 10.15-3.9%). The results from meta-regression showed a declining trend in the global prevalence of seroma after abdominoplasty with an increase in the sample size, age of study participants, and the year of study (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the prevalence of seroma after abdominoplasty is high globally. Therefore, physicians and specialists must consider its importance and take the controlling and treatment measures seriously.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine Ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The Edmonton Obesity Staging System Predicts Postoperative Complications After Abdominoplasty

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the relationship between Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) and the occurrence of postoperative complications after abdominoplasty in massive weight loss patients.

METHODS

A single-institution retrospective review of patients undergoing abdominoplasty between 2009 and 2019 after massive weight loss. Demographic data, laboratory findings, known risk factors for postoperative complications, as well as data on major and minor complications were extracted from the patient charts. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship between the variables.

RESULTS

Four hundred and five patients were included in the study. The prevalence of EOSS stages was: 0 (no comorbidities, N = 151, 37%), 1 (mild conditions, N = 40, 10%), 2 (moderate conditions, N = 149, 36%) and 3 (severe conditions, N = 70, 17%). Regression analysis showed that, controlling for body mass index (BMI), BMI Δ (maximal BMI - BMI at presentation), bariatric surgery, volume of resected tissue, and duration of surgery, EOSS stage significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications. Compared with EOSS stage 0, EOSS stages 2 and 3 patients were associated with significantly more minor and major complications, respectively. The volume of resected tissue, BMI Δ, and age were associated with the occurrence of major complications. A regression model of comorbidities comprising the EOSS revealed a significant association of variables diabetes mellitus and hypertension with the occurrence of postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Edmonton Obesity Staging System is a robust predictor of postoperative complications in abdominoplasty.

Abdominal Panniculectomy Can Simplify Kidney Transplantation in Obese Patients

BACKGROUND

Obesity is frequently present in patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, overweight kidney transplant candidates are a challenge for the transplant surgeon. Obese patients tend to develop a large abdominal panniculus after weight loss creating an area predisposed to wound-healing disorders. Due to concerns about graft survival and postoperative complications after kidney transplantation, obese patients are often refused in this selective patient cohort. The study aimed to analyze the effect of panniculectomies on postoperative complications and transplant candidacy in an interdisciplinary setting.

METHODS

A retrospective database review of 10 cases of abdominal panniculectomies performed in patients with ESRD prior to kidney transplantation was conducted.

RESULTS

The median body mass index was 35.2 kg/m2 (range 28.5-53.0 kg/m2) at first transplant-assessment versus 31.0 kg/m2 (range 28.0-34.4 kg/m2) at panniculectomy, and 31.6 kg/m2 (range 30.3-32.4 kg/m2) at kidney transplantation. We observed no major postoperative complications following panniculectomy and minor wound-healing complications in 2 patients. All aside from 1 patient became active transplant candidates 6 weeks after panniculectomy. No posttransplant wound complications occurred in the transplanted patients.

CONCLUSION

Abdominal panniculectomy is feasible in patients suffering ESRD with no major postoperative complications, thus converting previously ineligible patients into kidney transplant candidates. An interdisciplinary approach is advisable in this selective patient cohort.

The Edmonton Obesity Staging System as a predictor for postoperative complications after medial thigh lift in massive weight loss patients

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the correlation between the Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) and the occurrence of postoperative complications after medial thigh lift in formerly obese patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A single-institution retrospective review of patients undergoing medial thigh lift between 2009 and 2019 after massive weight loss. Data on demography, comorbidities, surgery, and postoperative outcome were extracted from patients' charts. Patients were grouped into EOSS categories. Complications were classified into minor and major. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between risk factors and complications.

RESULTS

One hundred and eight patients were included in the study. Complications occurred in 76 (70%) of the patients, most of which were minor (60/108, 56%). Complications increased with increasing EOSS stage, and all EOSS 3 patients had complications. Classification as EOSS 2 or 3 significantly associated with occurrence of postoperative complications (OR 99.3, p<0.001) as well as minor and major complications individually (OR 3.1 and 6.5, p<0.05). This effect was independent of body mass index (BMI), maximum BMI loss, type of weight loss, volume of liposuction, weight of resected tissue, and type of surgery.

CONCLUSION

EOSS is a robust and independent predictor for postoperative complications in medial thigh lift surgery after massive weight loss.

What Is the Impact of Residual Obesity on the Risk for Postoperative Body-Contouring Surgery Complications in Postbariatric Patients?

BACKGROUND

There are an increasing number of patients presenting for plastic surgery after massive weight loss, and many of these patients have residual obesity that may compromise outcomes. The impact of residual obesity on the development of postoperative complications in postbariatric patients undergoing plastic surgery procedures is unclear.

METHODS

We report the outcomes of 207 patients who underwent plastic surgery following RYGB from January 2011 to December 2018.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seven patients (196 females, 11 males) with a mean age of 42 years underwent 335 separate operations. The average BMI at the time of plastic surgery was 27.43 kg/m². The average weight loss was 47.08 kg. The prevalence of comorbidities was 26.6% and the most important presurgery comorbidities were arterial hypertension (10.1%) and diabetes mellitus (4.8%). Of the 207 patients who underwent surgery, 78.3% (168/207) underwent abdominoplasty and 45.0% underwent mammoplasty. The overall rate of complications was 27.5%. The prevalence of postoperative complications was not significantly different between patients with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² and patients with a BMI < 30 kg/m² (33.3% vs 25.9%, respectively; p = 0.344).

CONCLUSION

In this group of patients, with specified anthropometric and clinical profiles, the residual obesity did not influence the incidence of postoperative complications in postbariatric patients after plastic surgery.

Body Contouring Surgery Improves Physical Activity in Patients After Massive Weight Loss-a Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to compare physical activity (PA) in patients who had undergone massive weight loss (MWL), before and after body contouring procedures.

METHODS

All patients undergoing body contouring surgery after MWL between 2007 and 2017 with a minimum follow-up of 6 months after the last procedure were included in this retrospective study. Excluded were those with a body mass index > 35 kg/m² and those with comorbidities leading to impaired PA. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the Moorehead-Ardelt QOL Questionnaire II. Evaluation of PA was obtained with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form and the Freiburg PA Questionnaire. Functional impairment during exercise was analyzed using a self-designed functional impairment score (FIS).

RESULTS

In the 45 patients completing the survey (37 female, 8 male), an improvement in QOL (p < 0.001) and PA scored by the IPAQ (p = 0.017) was found. The Freiburg PA Questionnaire showed no difference in PA before and after body contouring surgery (p = 0,274). Furthermore, scores of the FIS indicated a decrease of functional impairment during physical activity after body contouring surgery (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Body contouring improves QOL and PA in patients after massive weight loss. The results of our study confirm the important role of plastic surgery in the treatment and maintenance of health of patients with former obesity.

[Abdominoplasty without closed-suction drains: a randomised controlled trial]

INTRODUCTION

 There is insufficient scientific evidence from randomised controlled trials to support the routine use of closed-suction drains in body contouring procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate cumulative seroma volume, length of hospital stay and complication rates in abdominoplasty patients without drains in direct comparison with a cohort receiving drains.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

 Abdominoplasty patients were prospectively randomised in two study groups with (MD) and without (OD) placement of closed-suction drains. Patients with a BMI ≤ 30 kg/m² undergoing horizontal or combined horizontal/vertical incision abdominoplasty were included. Scarpa's fascia was preserved during dissection. Exclusion criteria comprised simultaneous liposuction, coagulation disorders and ASA score ≥ 3. Cumulative seroma volume over a four-week follow-up period was assessed as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were complications requiring surgical revision and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

 This trial did not identify a statistically significant difference in cumulative seroma volume between the MD (30/53) and OD (23/53) cohorts in 53 patients (M_MD 493 ± SD 407 ml; M_OD 459 ± SD 624 ml; p = 0.812). However, a significantly shorter average length of hospital stay was observed in the OD population (M_MD 5.1 ± SD 1.4 d; M_OD 4.2 ± SD 1.5 d; p = 0.023). Complication rates were equal in both study groups (n_MD = 1; n_OD = 1).

CONCLUSION

 The results of this trial do not justify routine placement of closed-suction drains in abdominoplasty procedures (horizontal or combined horizontal/vertical incision) in the pre-obese patient cohort (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m²). Drain placement should be evaluated on an individual patient-specific basis.

Risk factors and complications after body-contouring surgery and the amount of stromal vascular fraction cells found in subcutaneous tissue

Body contouring surgery following massive weight loss is often prone to complications. Subcutaneous adipose tissue is a rich source of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells, and moreover it plays an important role in the pathophysiology of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and wound healing. In this retrospective, single-centred appraisal, complications are examined and correlated with individual SVF numbers in abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue. We analysed whether the weight loss method affected complications. Eighty seven massive weight loss patients undergoing body contouring surgery between 2010 and 2017 were included in the study. In total, 57 cases with at least one complication were recorded (65.5%). Maximum lifetime weight was 109.6 kg (range 48-184 kg). Half of the complications (50.8%) were minor complications without the need for surgical revision. The mean number of SVF found in the resected tissue was 714 997.63 cells/g fat tissue. We found no statistical difference in complication rates dependent on cell numbers. Smoking (P = .049) and a high BMI at the time point of surgery (P = .031) led to significantly more complications. Also, a high resection weight (P = .057) showed a tendency for impaired wound healing. However, there was no difference in complication rates following body contouring procedures attributable to the method of weight loss in this study.