Karl Schwaiger1, Stephanie Tiede2, Wolfgang Hitzl3, Rene Kaplan2, Frederik DeMeyer2, Klemens Heinrich2, Michaela Hladik2, Gottfried Wechselberger2, Elisabeth Russe2. 1. Hospital of St. John of God (Barmherzige Brüder) Salzburg, Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, Kajetanerplatz 1, 5020, Salzburg, Austria. karl.schwaiger@outlook.com. 2. Hospital of St. John of God (Barmherzige Brüder) Salzburg, Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, Kajetanerplatz 1, 5020, Salzburg, Austria. 3. Research Office - Biostatistics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty is a common procedure in postbariatric surgery. Over the years, a high number of technical refinements of the procedure have been established to improve safety and reduce associated complications. Nevertheless, the complication rate is high. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing abdominoplasty in association with prolonged postoperative immobilization. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 82 patients who underwent abdominoplasty was performed. Patients were divided in two study groups regarding their immobilization period. Group 1 included patients with an immobilization period defined as strict bed rest for at least 45 h after surgery. Group 2 included all patients with shorter immobilization time, but earliest mobilization in the evening on the day of surgery. RESULTS: Overall, complication rate was 27%. Major complications were observed in 15% in group 1 and in 23% in group 2. Hematoma requiring surgical revision was observed in 5% in group 1 and in 14% in group 2. Surgical revisions within the first 60 days were necessary in 5% in group 1 and in 20% in group 2. CONCLUSION: Prolonged immobilization after abdominoplasty does not crucially lower the overall complication rate, but influences the severity of complications in a positive way. Increasing the duration of postoperative immobilization up to 45 h after abdominoplasty significantly decreases the reoperation rate in our practice. The risk for a surgical revision is nearly four times higher if the patient leaves bed earlier. Surgeons should consider this option especially in patients with a high risk for complication development.
BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty is a common procedure in postbariatric surgery. Over the years, a high number of technical refinements of the procedure have been established to improve safety and reduce associated complications. Nevertheless, the complication rate is high. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing abdominoplasty in association with prolonged postoperative immobilization. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 82 patients who underwent abdominoplasty was performed. Patients were divided in two study groups regarding their immobilization period. Group 1 included patients with an immobilization period defined as strict bed rest for at least 45 h after surgery. Group 2 included all patients with shorter immobilization time, but earliest mobilization in the evening on the day of surgery. RESULTS: Overall, complication rate was 27%. Major complications were observed in 15% in group 1 and in 23% in group 2. Hematoma requiring surgical revision was observed in 5% in group 1 and in 14% in group 2. Surgical revisions within the first 60 days were necessary in 5% in group 1 and in 20% in group 2. CONCLUSION: Prolonged immobilization after abdominoplasty does not crucially lower the overall complication rate, but influences the severity of complications in a positive way. Increasing the duration of postoperative immobilization up to 45 h after abdominoplasty significantly decreases the reoperation rate in our practice. The risk for a surgical revision is nearly four times higher if the patient leaves bed earlier. Surgeons should consider this option especially in patients with a high risk for complication development.
Authors: Steven Paul Davison; Mark L Venturi; Christopher E Attinger; Stephen B Baker; Scott L Spear Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Date: 2004-09-01 Impact factor: 4.730
Authors: K J Stewart; D A Stewart; B Coghlan; D H Harrison; B M Jones; N Waterhouse Journal: J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg Date: 2006-07-05 Impact factor: 2.740
Authors: Keith C Neaman; Shannon D Armstrong; Marissa E Baca; Mark Albert; Douglas L Vander Woude; John D Renucci Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Date: 2013-03 Impact factor: 4.730
Authors: Christopher K Patronella; Amado Ruiz-Razura; Germán Newall; Henry A Mentz; Monica L Arango; Tiravat Assavapokee; Jana L Siarski Journal: Aesthet Surg J Date: 2008 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 4.283