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Dealing with the Mass: A New Approach to Facilitate Panniculectomy in Patients with Very Large Abdominal Aprons

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Abstract

Background

Panniculectomy surgery is performed to remove a massive pannus, or abdominal apron, which frequently contributes to a number of health concerns. The resection of such a massive abdominal panniculus is technically difficult due to the weight of the tissue and the difficulty in handling it during surgery.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review on 20 morbidly obese patients (14 male, six female) who underwent a panniculectomy with a resection weight of >6 kg between November 2003 and November 2007 at our department.

Results

The patients’ weight ranged from 90 to 240 kg, with a mean weight of 157.6 kg. The redundant pannus weighed from 6.8 to 60.0 kg. Uncomplicated healing occurred in 55% of cases. Further complications were not observed.

Conclusions

The treatment of a massive panniculus requires a multitask management considering optimal conditions for the surgeon and patient. Based on our experience from 20 patients over 4 years, we are able to present our standardized and improved technique using a mechanical lift and a tumescent solution to facilitate this procedure.

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Correspondence to Alexander Stoff.

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Reichenberger, M.A., Stoff, A. & Richter, D.F. Dealing with the Mass: A New Approach to Facilitate Panniculectomy in Patients with Very Large Abdominal Aprons. OBES SURG 18, 1605–1610 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-008-9630-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-008-9630-8

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