Outcomes of Panniculectomy after Bariatric Surgery: A Comparative Study and Review of the Literature

Background: Panniculectomy consistent in redundant abdominal skin and fat resection has gained popularity, especially following bariatric surgery. However, it remains unclear whether the massive weight loss induced by bariatric surgery may be a predisposition for increased complications after panniculectomy. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing panniculectomy following bariatric surgery (group A) to those who underwent panniculectomy alone (group B). Methods: A retrospective review was performed of prospectively collected data from patients who underwent panniculectomy at a single institution from 2005 to 2013. Results: Seventy-nine patients underwent panniculectomy, with a male to female ratio of 1/12 and a mean age of 43.48 years. Group A (37 patients) included 28 patients (75.7%) who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, seven patients (18.9%) who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and two patients (5.4%) who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. No differences in the baseline characteristics were found between the two groups. Ventral hernia repair was more often performed in group B (p=0.01), whereas most group A patients underwent associated umbilical transposition (p=0.02). Group A had longer length of stay (12 days vs. 9.9 days; p=0.01). Overall, the postoperative morbidity rate was 13.5% in group A and 11.9% in group B (n.s.). There was no mortality in either group. Conclusion: Panniculectomy following bariatric surgery is a feasible and safe surgical option.