Background: Many patients who qualify for obesity surgery have a moderate to large panniculus (grade 1-5). They can benefit from panniculectomy done concurrently with gastric bypass (GBP) or subsequently after significant weight reduction, usually 18 months after the GBP. Method: Over the last 8 years, 2,231 bariatric operations were performed at the Center. 577 panniculectomies were done, with 428 (74.2%) concurrent with the GBP and 149 (25.8%) subsequent to the GBP. Results:The redundant pannus weighed from 5 to 54.5 kg. Wound problems occured in 15.1% of panniculectomies. Transfusion was necessary in 1.9%. Hospital stay was 4 to 5 days, and was no greater than in patients that underwent the GBP alone. Those with grades 3-5 suffer more back-pain and problems of hygiene resulting from panniculitis. Conclusion: A very redundant panniculus compounds the patient's physical, social and emotional problems. Where cardiopulmonary and other medical status are satisfactory,a panniculectomy may be offered to patients with a symptomatic panniculus at the time of bariatric surgery, as a physically beneficial and cost-effective adjuvant.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Igwe, D., Stanczyk, M., Tambi, J. et al. Panniculectomy Adjuvant to Obesity Surgery. OBES SURG 10, 530–539 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1381/096089200321593742
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1381/096089200321593742