Does the Use of Compression Garments Increase Venous Stasis in the Common Femoral Vein?:

An In-Depth Analysis of 1370 Consecutive Abdominoplasties: Fascial Plication Increases Risk of Venous Thromboembolism, and Scoring for Plication Improves the Caprini Risk Assessment Model

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the most dangerous complication of abdominoplasty. One relatively undefined risk factor is plication, which in theory increases VTE risk.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the thromboembolic risk of plication.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 1370 consecutive abdominoplasties by one surgeon was undertaken. Two groups were considered, plicated (n= 1089) and non-plicated (n = 281), and VTE rates were compared between these groups.

RESULTS

There were 25/1089 cases of VTE (2.3%) in plicated patients and 1/281 case of VTE (0.36%) in non-plicated patients, which was statistically significant (Fisher's exact test, p=0.028) despite the non-plicated group being a higher risk population. Case-Control matching yielded 225 pairs which differed statistically only by the presence or absence of plication; there were 12/225(5.3%) VTE events in the plicated group and 0/225 in the non-plicated group (McNemar's test, p=0.0015). Logistic regression demonstrated increased VTE risk with increasing age (OR 1.08, p<0.001), BMI (OR 1.34, p=0.002), Caprini score (OR 2.17, p<0.001), and especially plication (OR 16.76, p=0.008). Adding two points for plication to Caprini scores offered better risk stratification at a level of 7, with an improved combination of sensitivity/specificity (0.31/0.98 vs 0.69/0.96) and a 27% improvement over the 2005 Caprini RAM in the area under a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve (0.826 vs 0.651, Z-value -3.596, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Plication was shown to be a powerful risk factor for the development of VTE in abdominoplasty. Abdominal wall plication should be considered in risk assessment, and scoring for plication may improve the performance of the Caprini RAM.

Effect of Compression Garments on the Ventilatory Function After Abdominoplasty

BACKGROUND

The use of compression garments in the postoperative period of abdominoplasty seems to be a consensus, but the incidents of complications arising from this have been described, related to an increase in intraabdominal pressure and reduction of the femoral vein blood flow that may facilitate thromboembolic events. There are no studies that have evaluated the isolated effect of postoperative compression garments on respiratory function.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of compression garments on respiratory function after abdominoplasty.

METHODS

Thirty-four female patients who underwent standard abdominoplasty were divided into 2 groups, the garment group (n = 18) and the no garment group (n = 16). Respiratory function assessment (with spirometry and manovacuometry) was performed in the preoperative and postoperative periods.

RESULTS

Forced vital capacity assessment revealed a greater ventilatory restriction in the garment group. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) showed differences between the evaluation time points in the garment group; the intergroup comparisons showed that the no garment group had a lower FEV1. Slow vital capacity was evaluated with no significant differences found on both intergroup comparisons. The inspiratory capacity was reduced in the garment group, representing ventilatory restriction. Measurements of the maximum inspiratory pressure showed no significant differences between the groups. The maximum expiratory pressure showed significantly lower values on postoperative day 7 in the garment group.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of compression garments after abdominoplasty impairs ventilatory function. Not wearing this type of garment can improve ventilation, decreasing the risk of pulmonary complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Management of the Musculoaponeurotic Layer in Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty has evolved in the last few decades, especially the treatment of the myoaponeurotic deformities. Bulging, lack of definition of the abdominal contour, should be understood and treated according to the individual deformity. Many types of deformities have been recognized and treatment respects the local anatomy in most cases. Scientific basis that consolidate these treatments are discussed as well as possible recurrences and pitfalls of these techniques. The histological composition of muscles and fascia are also discussed and anatomical details help to enrich the knowledge of the correction of this layer. Specific types of sutures are suggested for both plications and muscle advancement.

Intra-abdominal pressure increases peri-operatively in patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction: A prospective study linking high intra-abdominal pressure to non-fatal lung embolism within one patient

BACKGROUND

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction. The procedure and peri-operative period are associated with the risk of severe post-operative complications, like venous thromboembolic events (VTE) and lung embolism. Whether the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) increases after the closure of the abdominal defect, thereby potentially affecting the venous backflow and the risk of VTE, is currently not known.

AIM

The primary aim is to test if the closure of the abdominal donor site increases the IAP in women undergoing secondary DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

By using a Unometer, we measured the intravesical pressure as a surrogate marker for the IAP, at baseline, immediately after, and 24 h after abdominal skin closure, for 13 patients.

RESULTS

The mean IAP increased from 6.1 mmHg (95% CI 4.6-7.7) at baseline to 9.0 mmHg (95% CI 8.0-10.0) immediately after skin closure [mean diff. 2.9 (95% CI 1.0-4.8) (p = 0.007)] and further up to 11.7 mmHg (95% CI 9.0-14.5) 24 h after closure [mean diff. 5.3 (95% CI 1.4-9.1) (p = 0.012)]. We found that IAP varies among the patients, regardless of the tightness of abdominal closure or rectus plication (n = 3). Immediately after closure, none of the isolated patients showed abnormal levels of IAP (>12 mmHg), while eight out of 12 isolated patients (67%) showed IAP levels above the normal range after 24 h. One patient developed a non-fatal lung embolism.

CONCLUSION

The mean IAP increases significantly over the post-operative period after DIEP flap reconstruction, although abnormal IAP values are only seen 24 h after the closure of the skin.

The Effect of Drains and Compressive Garments Versus Progressive Tensioning Sutures on Seroma Formation in Abdominoplasty

Seroma is a common problem following abdominoplasty surgery. Both compressive garments with drains and progressive tension sutures have their advocates to minimise seroma formation. This is a retrospective study in which patients underwent an identical surgical procedure, except for use of drains and garments in comparison to progressive tension sutures between 2005 and 2020. Two hundred thirty-two patients were included in the study 61 in the drains and garment group (DG group), and 171 with progressive tension sutures (PTS group) alone. There was a lower incidence of seroma formation in the PTS group (X2 (1, N = 232) = 6.35, P = .012). The weight of tissue excised in the PTS group was greater than the DG group (P < .001). There was there a significantly higher tissue excision weights for patients who developed a seroma, compared with those who did not (P=.02). Patients, who developed a seroma in the PTS group, had significantly greater excision weights than the DG group. Liposuction did not change the incidence of seroma in each group (X2 (4, N = 232) = 6.701, P = .08 n/s). This study demonstrates the effectiveness of progressive tension sutures in reducing the incidence of seroma formation following abdominoplasty, particularly when large excision weights are involved. The addition of small volume liposuction distant to the abdominal flap does not increase the incidence of seroma formation.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 the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The Use of Postoperative Compression Garments in Plastic Surgery-Necessary or Not? A Practical Review

This practical review critically evaluates the evidence behind the widespread use of postoperative compression therapy intended to improve surgical outcomes, such as reduced edema, ecchymosis, pain, and seroma formation. A literature search of PubMed was conducted to identify relevant studies concerning the use of compression garments after aesthetic surgery, including rhinoplasty, facelift, neck lift, mammoplasty, abdominoplasty, limb contouring, and others. Additionally, reconstructive and therapeutic procedures closely related in anatomy or technique to these cosmetic operations, such as breast reconstruction, mastectomy, and hernia repair, were also considered to provide further perspective. After study extraction, the volume, quality, and agreement of the evidence found was highly heterogenous depending on the context of specific operations and outcomes evaluated. The most well-supported indications for the use of postoperative compression garments are to mitigate edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty and to reduce postoperative pain after breast and abdominal procedures, although no effect on seroma rate was demonstrated. Any potential benefit must be balanced against the associated costs and possible complications of compression, including patient discomfort, increased venous stasis, and skin defects. Thus, we encourage surgeons to critically reassess their use of compression garments. In many settings, such as brachioplasty, there is limited high-quality evidence to inform best practice, and we urge the community to continue researching this important topic so that more definitive and comprehensive guidelines may be established.

Do Compression Garments Prevent Subcutaneous Edema After Abdominoplasty?

BACKGROUND

The main disadvantages of wearing a compression garment following abdominoplasty are the increase in intra-abdominal pressure and risk of venous stasis. On the one hand, the wearing of garments may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. On the other hand, it may be beneficial in decreasing edema formation after surgery.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to evaluate the effectiveness of compression garments in reducing subcutaneous edema after abdominoplasty.

METHODS

Thirty-two women aged 19 to 50 years were selected and randomly allocated to either the garment (n = 16) or no-garment (n = 16) group. All patients underwent abdominoplasty and received 10 sessions of manual lymphatic drainage during the postoperative period. Postoperative edema formation was assessed by perimetry and bioimpedance, and seroma formation was assessed by ultrasound. Statistical tests included t test, mixed linear models, analysis of variance with repeated measures, and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, which were performed at a significance level α of .05 (P ≤ .05).

RESULTS

The no-garment group showed a trend toward lower mean waist circumference at 29 days following abdominoplasty and significantly lower waist circumference after postoperative day 35 compared with the garment group (P < .001). The mean total body water was slightly lower in the no-garment group than in the garment group 7 days after surgery (P = .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who did not wear a compression garment after abdominoplasty showed less subcutaneous edema formation after 24 days of surgery than those who wore the garment.

Lipoabdominoplasty: What We Have Implemented and What We Have Modified over 26 Years

Lipoabdominoplasty is one of the most commonly performed procedures in body-contouring surgery. We present a retrospective study of our 26 years of experience to improve the results and assure the greatest possible safety in lipoabdominoplasty. We include all of our female patients who underwent lipoabdominoplasty performed from July 1996 to June 2022, dividing the patients into two groups: group I underwent circumferential liposuction avoiding abdominal flap liposuction for the first 7 years, and group II underwent circumferential liposuction including abdominal flap liposuction for the subsequent 19 years, pointing out the differences in the processes, results, and complications of both groups. Over a period of 26 years, 973 female patients underwent lipoabdominoplasty: 310 in group I and 663 in group II. Ages were very similar; however, weight, BMI, amount of liposuction material, and weight of the abdominal flap removed were higher in group I. Twenty percent of patients in group I were obese compared to 7% in group II. The average amount of liposuction in group I was 4990 mL compared to 3373 mL in group II and 1120 g of abdominal flap in group I versus 676 g in group II. Minor and major complications were 11.6% and 1.2% in group I versus 9.2% and 0.6% in group II, respectively. In our more than 26 years of performing lipoabdominoplasty, we have maintained most of our initial procedures. These processes have allowed us to perform surgery safely and effectively with a low morbidity rate.

Scarpa Fascia Preservation to Reduce Seroma Rate on Massive Weight Loss Patients Undergoing Abdominoplasty: A Comparative Study

(1) Background: An increasing number of patients undergo bariatric surgery and seek body contouring surgery after massive weight loss (MWL). Abdominoplasty itself is associated with a high complication rate in these patients, particularly due to seroma formation. Scarpa fascia preservation (SFP) has been proven to be an efficient method of reducing seroma rates. We aimed to evaluate the possible benefits of SFP on massive weight loss patients comparatively. (2) Methods: This is a single-center retrospective comparative study encompassing 202 MWL patients operated between 2009 and 2019 at Turku University Hospital. Patients included in the study had a preoperative weight loss greater than 30 kg. Of them, 149 went through traditional abdominoplasty and 53 abdominoplasties with SFP. The primary outcome measure was seroma occurrence, while secondary outcomes included drainage amount, hospital stay, surgical site occurrence, and need for blood transfusion. (3) Results: The only statistically significant difference between groups on patients' demographics was the sex ratio, favoring females in the control group (43:10, 81% vs. 130:19, 87%, p = 0.018). SFP significantly reduced seroma occurrence (9.4% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.011) and decreased mean drainage duration (3.7 ± 2.4 vs. 5.3 ± 3.2 days, p = 0.025). There was a trend towards lower drainage output (214.1 ± 162.2 mL vs. 341.9 ± 480.5 mL, p = 0.060) and fewer postoperative days on ward in the SFP group. Other complication incidences did not differ between the groups. The multivariable analysis did not show any significant factor for seroma formation or surgical site occurrence. (4) Conclusions: Preserving Scarpa fascia on MWL patients may result in decreased seroma occurrence and a shorter time to drain removal.

Do Abdominal Binders Prevent Seroma Formation and Recurrent Diastasis Following Abdominoplasty?

BACKGROUND

For decades, the postoperative wearing of abdominal binders has been suggested to reduce dead space and prevent mobilization of the musculoaponeurotic layer in an attempt to decrease the risk of seroma formation and recurrent diastasis.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate whether the postoperative wearing of an abdominal binder provides any additional contribution to the reduction of either seroma formation or recurrent diastasis recti when abdominoplasty is performed with quilting sutures.

METHODS

Thirty-four women undergoing abdominoplasty were randomized into 2 groups: the binder group (n = 16) wore abdominal binders during the postoperative period, whereas the control group (n = 18) did not. Ultrasound examination was performed on postoperative days 7 and 14 to assess seroma formation and at 6 months postoperatively to assess recurrence of diastasis recti. A t test for independent samples was applied to compare means between 2 numeric variables. Generalized estimation equation models were used to evaluate seroma volume at different time points for the 2 groups.

RESULTS

No significant differences in seroma volume were found between groups on postoperative days 7 (P = 0.830) and 14 (P = 0.882). Seven cases of subclinical recurrent diastasis were observed by ultrasound examination in the supraumbilical (4 cases) and infraumbilical regions (3 cases), but without significant differences (P = 1.000) between the 2 groups. Recurrent diastasis was not detected during physical examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

The postoperative wearing of abdominal binders was not effective in preventing either seroma formation or recurrent diastasis following abdominoplasty with quilting sutures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2

The Effect of Quilting Sutures on the Tension Required to Advance the Abdominal Flap in Abdominoplasty

BACKGROUND

Quilting sutures attaching the abdominal flap to the aponeurosis contribute to the prevention of seroma formation following abdominoplasty. The sutures distribute the tension over the subcutaneous tissue along the flap length, theoretically decreasing tension at the distal (cutaneous) end of the flap. This is expected to reduce the risks of necrosis, dehiscence, and enlarged or hypertrophic scars.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to verify whether quilting sutures decrease the tension required to advance the dermal-fat flap in abdominoplasty.

METHODS

Thirty-four women undergoing abdominoplasty with quilting sutures participated in the study. The tensile force required for flap advancement was measured with a digital force gauge before and after placement of quilting sutures and then compared. Differences in tensile force were tested for correlations with BMI, age, weight of flap tissue removed, number of previous pregnancies, and postoperative complications, including seroma formation, hematoma, necrosis, dehiscence, and enlarged or hypertrophic scars.

RESULTS

A mean reduction in tension of 27.7% was observed at the skin suture after the placement of quilting sutures (P < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between reduced flap tension and BMI, age, weight of tissue removed, or number of births. One case of seroma formation and 2 cases of enlarged scars were observed, but no case of hematoma, necrosis, or wound dehiscence was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of quilting sutures to attach the abdominal flap to the aponeurosis of the anterior abdominal wall reduced tension at the advancing edge of the flap in abdominoplasty.

Seromas: How to Prevent and Treat Them-a 20-Year Experience

Seromas are a common complication in plastic surgery. In this article, the authors describe their approach to the prevention and treatment of seromas and include a discussion of the evolution of their techniques. They provide specific technical details for many body contouring operations, including abdominoplasty, belt lipectomy, brachioplasty, and thighplasty. Many of the authors' techniques question the traditional dictums of plastic surgery, and they hope to encourage others to consider novel techniques for the treatment and prevention of seromas.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Enhanced Cycling Time-Trial Performance During Multiday Exercise With Higher-Pressure Compression Garment Wear

PURPOSE

Compression garments are widely used as a tool to accelerate recovery from intense exercise and have also gained traction as a performance aid, particularly during periods of limited recovery. This study tested the hypothesis that increased pressure levels applied via high-pressure compression garments would enhance "multiday" exercise performance.

METHODS

A single-blind crossover design, incorporating 3 experimental conditions-loose-fitting gym attire (CON), low-compression (LC), and high-compression (HC) garments-was adopted. A total of 10 trained male cyclists reported to the laboratory on 6 occasions, collated into 3 blocks of 2 consecutive visits. Each "block" consisted of 3 parts, an initial high-intensity protocol, a 24-hour period of controlled rest while wearing the applied condition/garment (CON, LC, and HC), and a subsequent 8-km cycling time trial, while wearing the respective garment. Subjective discomfort questionnaires and blood pressure were assessed prior to each exercise bout. Power output, oxygen consumption, and heart rate were continuously measured throughout exercise, with plasma lactate, creatine kinase, and myoglobin concentrations assessed at baseline and the end of exercise, as well as 30 and 60 minutes postexercise.

RESULTS

Time-trial performance was significantly improved during HC compared with both CON and LC (HC = 277 [83], CON = 266 [89], and LC = 265 [77] W; P < .05). In addition, plasma lactate was significantly lower at 30 and 60 minutes postexercise on day 1 in HC compared with CON. No significant differences were observed for oxygen consumption, heart rate, creatine kinase, or subjective markers of discomfort.

CONCLUSION

The pressure levels exerted via lower-limb compression garments influence their effectiveness for cycling performance, particularly in the face of limited recovery.

Abdominal Wall Plication and Correction of Deformities of the Myoaponeurotic Layer: Focusing on Materials and Techniques Used for Synthesis

The different types of sutures utilized in plications and for correction of diastasis during abdominoplasty are reviewed and discussed. Because correction of abdominal deformities also involves fascia and muscle advancement, this review also covers the suture materials used in muscle advancement. The selection of specific techniques to treat different types of abdominal wall deformity is also considered. This is important, because the outcome when correcting these deformities depends not only on suture materials but also on employing the optimum technique. A PubMed/Medline search was performed with the following search terms: rectus diastasis, diastasis recti, diastasis recti abdominis, correction of rectus diastasis, abdominoplasty. Relevant articles identifying the type of suture (rapidly absorbable, slowly absorbable, nonabsorbable), monofilament or multifilament sutures, antibiotic-coated sutures, and barbed sutures were evaluated. In addition, articles about surgical technique comparing continuous and interrupted sutures, in both the anterior and posterior aponeurosis, to correct rectus diastasis are discussed. Efficacy of suture materials was evaluated based on the long-term results and recurrence rates reported in these articles. The current literature provides sufficient data to recommend a single-layer continuous suture, with slowly absorbable sutures of 0 polydioxanone or 2-0 nylon, for correction of abdominal diastasis. An interrupted triangular suture is a good alternative to correct the vertical elongation of the myoaponeurotic layer that occurs after pregnancy.

Ligasure impact™might reduce blood loss, complications, and re-operation occurrence after abdominoplasty in massive-weight-loss patients: A Comparative Study

Background and Aims:

The most effective dissection technique for raising the flap in abdominoplasty is still controversial, particularly in high-risk massive-weight-loss patients. LigaSure Impact™vessel-sealing system (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) is an energy device commonly used among different surgical specialties to reduce morbidity and implement outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of LigaSure Impact in abdominoplasty compared with the conventional techniques, diathermia.

Material and Methods:

Patients underwent primary abdominoplasty after massive weight loss at a single center from 1 January 2008 to 31 May 2015 and were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 94 patients eligible for the study were divided into two groups on basis of the dissection technique: LigaSure Impact group (29 patients) and the conventional technique group (65 patients). Total intraoperative blood loss was the primary endpoint. Duration of the operation, perioperative complications and re-operation were recorded as secondary endpoints.

Results:

Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the groups. Significant differences were found in intraoperative blood loss favoring LigaSure Impact group (259.6 ± 198.8 mL vs 377.9 ± 190.0 mL, p = 0.004) and blood transfusion rates (13.8% vs 35.4%, p = 0.047). In contrast, operative time was significantly longer in LigaSure Impact group (168.6 ± 121.2 vs 179.7 ± 57.6 min, p = 0.005), while a tendency to shorter hospital stay was found in LigaSure Impact group (3.6 ± 1.1 days vs 4.6 ± 3.2 days, p = 0.081). Overall complications occurrence, Clavien–Dindo grade II (24.1% vs 55.4%) and grade III (13.8% vs 30.8%) complications were significantly lower in LigaSure Impact group (respectively, p = 0.005, p = 0.007, p = 0.016). Late (>30 days) re-operation rate was significantly lower in the LigaSure Impact group (6.9% vs 27.70%, p = 0.0028). Specific wound complications showed no significant difference.

Conclusion:

LigaSure Impact vessel-sealing system may be beneficial in improving abdominoplasty outcomes in massive-weight-loss patients because it might reduce blood loss, need for transfusions, complications, and re-operations.

Venous Thromboembolism in Aesthetic Surgery: Risk Optimization in the Preoperative, Intraoperative, and Postoperative Settings

The purpose of this Continuing Medical Education (CME) article is to provide a framework for practicing surgeons to conceptualize and quantify venous thromboembolism risk among the aesthetic and ambulatory surgery population. The article provides a practical approach to identify and minimize venous thromboembolism risk in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative settings.

Optimizing Patient Outcomes and Safety With Liposuction

Since its advent in the early 1980s, liposuction has made tremendous advancements, making it the most popular aesthetic surgery performed today. The goal of this Continuing Medical Education (CME) article is to provide a foundation of knowledge of the relevant anatomy, preoperative evaluation, intraoperative technique, and postoperative management for surgeons performing liposuction. Finally, the prevention and management of potential complications will be reviewed along with measures to optimize patient safety and outcomes.

Safety and Utility of the Drainless Abdominoplasty in the Post-Bariatric Surgery Patient

INTRODUCTION

Surgical drains are used in abdominoplasty patients to combat wound closure disruption by hematoma or seroma formation. Several recent publications have described techniques that allow abdominoplasty to be performed safely without the need for surgical drains. This has not, however, been described in the case of the bariatric patient, who is often considered to be of higher postoperative complication risk. Here, we describe our experience of the drainless abdominoplasty in patients who have undergone massive weight loss (MWL) after a bariatric procedure.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of 172 patients who had undergone drainless abdominoplasty using the progressive tension suture technique from 2011 to 2014. Thirty-five patients who had undergone MWL after bariatric surgery were assigned to group A. One hundred thirty-seven patients who had not undergone MWL with no history of bariatric surgery were assigned to group B. Demographics, intraoperative outcomes, and postoperative outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Patients in group A were older (mean age, 48.7 vs 42.7 years; P = 0.003) and had a higher body mass index (26.6 vs 24.6 kg/m, P = 0.01), a significantly larger tissue resection (2379 vs 1228 g, P = 0.0001), and a higher estimated blood loss (100 vs 120 mL, P = 0.049). There was also a significant group-to-group difference in the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification distribution, with a higher percentage of MWL patients having higher scores. Despite these differences, group A did not have a statistically higher incidence of complications. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of seroma formation (11% vs 2%, P = 0.055), wound infection (2.9% vs 4.4%, P = 0.68), wound dehiscence (8.6% vs 8.0%, P = 0.91), meralgia paresthetica (2.8% vs 1.5%, P = 0.51), or rate of reoperation (11.4% vs 13.9%, P = 0.7) between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Despite post-bariatric surgery patients being considered higher risk for postoperative complications, drainless abdominoplasty can be safely offered to this population by using a progressive tension suture technique.

Preoperative Respiratory Physiotherapy in Abdominoplasty Patients

BACKGROUND

After abdominoplasty, patients experience decreased ventilatory function and increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Breathing exercises are used during the pre- and postoperative periods of several abdominal surgeries to prevent or minimize postoperative complications.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of preoperative respiratory physiotherapy on the outcome of abdominoplasty patients.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients were divided into 2 groups. The control group (n = 18) received no preoperative intervention. The intervention group (n = 15) performed breathing exercises during the preoperative period, including incentive spirometry, diaphragmatic breathing, shortened expiration, and sustained maximal inspiration. Respiratory physiotherapy started one week before surgery. Breathing exercises were performed daily. They were performed 3 times weekly in the presence of a physiotherapist and patients were instructed to carry on the exercises at home on days without physiotherapy sessions for three sets of 20 repetitions each. Patients were assessed by spirometry and IAP measurements.

RESULTS

No significant difference in spirometry was found between groups. However, patients in the intervention group had lower IAP at the start of surgery and at all time points (P = 0.010) compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative respiratory physiotherapy had no impact on spirometry, but may have contributed to reduce IAP intraoperatively.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2

Effect of compression garments on delayed-onset muscle soreness and blood inflammatory markers after eccentric exercise: a randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this study was to investigate how compression garments, applied after eccentric exercise, can affect delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and inflammatory markers. Sixteen healthy male university students enrolled in this study and were randomly assigned to either the compression garment group (CG, n=8) or control group (CON, n=8). All participants performed two sets of eccentric exercise using elbow flexor with 25 repetitions per set on a modified preacher curl machine. Maximal isometric strength was measured before exercise and immediately, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr after eccentric exercise. Muscle soreness was measured before exercise and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr after eccentric exercise. Creatine kinase (CK) activity and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were also measured before exercise and 3, 6, 24, and 48 hr after exercise. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. The CG group reported faster recovery of maximal isometric strength following exercise (P<0.001) and lower muscle soreness during the recovery period than the control group (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in either CK activity or TNF-α levels between the two groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, wearing compression garments during the postexercise period can be an effective way to reduce DOMS and accelerate the recovery of muscle function.

Single-Layer Plication for Repair of Diastasis Recti: The Most Rapid and Efficient Technique

Background

Plication of the anterior rectus sheath is the most commonly used technique for repair of diastasis recti, but is also a time-consuming procedure.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and time required to repair diastasis recti using different plication techniques.

Methods

Thirty women with similar abdominal deformities, who had had at least one pregnancy, were randomized into three groups to undergo abdominoplasty. Plication of the anterior rectus sheath was performed in two layers with 2-0 monofilament nylon suture (control group) or in a single layer with either a continuous 2-0 monofilament nylon suture (group I) or using a continuous barbed suture (group II). Operative time was recorded. All patients underwent ultrasound examination preoperatively and at 3 weeks and 6 months postoperatively to monitor for diastasis recurrence. The force required to bring the anterior rectus sheath to the midline was measured at the supraumbilical and infraumbilical levels.

Results

Patient age ranged from 26 to 50 years and body mass index from 20.56 to 29.17 kg/m2. A significant difference in mean operative time was found between the control and study groups (control group, 35 min:22 s; group I, 14 min:22 s; group II, 15 min:23 s; P < 0.001). Three patients in group II had recurrence of diastasis. There were no significant within- and between-group differences in tensile force on the aponeurosis.

Conclusions

Plication of the anterior rectus sheath in a single-layer with a continuous suture showed to be an efficient and rapid technique for repair of diastasis recti.

Level of Evidence 1

Lipoabdominoplasty with Progressive Traction Sutures

BACKGROUND

Proactively preserving Scarpa's fascia and thus its intrinsic lymphatic drainage and tensile strength for suture placement can eliminate the need for drains after lipoabdominoplasty and therefore reduce the rate of seroma development. In this article, we describe the effectiveness of a modified progressive traction suture (PTS) technique, which enables us to lessen the most common complications and avoid hospital readmission; these sutures take 3-5 minutes of additional surgery time.

METHODS

Two hundred seventy-six patients (mean age, 38 years; range, 19-67 years), with a mean body mass index of 25 were included in this study. All patients underwent complete lipoabdominoplasty with ultrasound-assisted liposuction (VASER) throughout the abdomen and flanks. Abdominal rectus plication was performed in 100% of cases. All patients were operated on under spinal anesthesia and stayed overnight in hospital.

RESULTS

Of the 276 patients, 1.8% developed postoperative seromas. No patients developed hematomas. New wound closure was needed in 1.4% of patients, performed within 7-10 days of surgery, scar revision in 4.7%, residual liposuction under local anesthesia in 9.7%, and liposuction under sedation in 1%; deep vein thrombosis without thromboembolic phenomenon developed in 1%, none resulting in death. In addition, the use of a PTS technique is a time-saving procedure because it takes the surgeons between 3-5 minutes of operative time, unlike that of adhesion and/or separate traction, which takes between 30 and 45 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of PTSs helped diminish complications such as seroma and hematoma and prevent additional cost involving hospital readmission and/or further surgery. Furthermore, use of these sutures required only 3-5 minutes of additional operative time.

Evidence-Based Strategies to Reduce Postoperative Complications in Plastic Surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery is vital in assisting patients with reintegration into society after events such as tumor extirpation, trauma, or infection have left them with a deficit of normal tissue. Apart from performing a technically sound operation, the plastic surgeon must stack the odds in the favor of the patient by optimizing them before and after surgery. The surgeon must look beyond the wound, at the entire patient, and apply fundamental principles of patient optimization. This article reviews the evidence behind the principles of patient optimization that are commonly used in reconstructive surgery patients.

Chronic Expanding Hematoma Following Abdominoplasty

Chronic expanding hematoma (CEH) is a relatively rare complication of trauma or surgery. We report a patient with CEH as a late complication of abdominoplasty. A 58-year-old woman underwent conventional abdominoplasty and thereafter refused to use a compression binder, citing discomfort. One month postoperatively, she presented with a gradually enlarging, painful abdominal mass. The results of ultrasonography and computed tomography were highly suspicious for CEH. The lesion was completely removed, together with surrounding fibrous tissue. Histopathology revealed a chronic hemorrhage collection with a fibrous capsule, consistent with CEH. This condition as a late complication of abdominoplasty has not previously been reported in the literature. However, an online medical consultation site features several abdominoplasty patients asking about persistent hematomas that sound suspicious for CEH. CEH might be underdiagnosed by surgeons. Although a postoperative binder may increase the risk of skin necrosis and deep vein thrombosis, appropriate compression treatment is necessary to prevent hematoma formation. Level of Evidence V 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 the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .