Dissection Technique for Abdominoplasty: A Prospective Study on Scalpel versus Diathermocoagulation (Coagulation Mode)

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Valenca Filipe, R (Author) Other; Martins, A (Author) Other; Silva, A (Author) Other; Vasconez, LO (Author) Other; Amarante J (Author) FMUP; Costa-Ferreira A (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open

Vol. 3

Final page: e299

Publisher: Wolters Kluwer Health

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 23 Citations

Scopus - 25 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00P-BAX

DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000000222

Abstract (EN): Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the dissection technique on outcomes and complications after a full abdominoplasty, comparing 2 different techniques used to raise the abdominal flap: the steel scalpel and the diathermocoagulation device on coagulation mode. Methods: A prospective study was performed at a single center from January 2009 to December 2011 of patients submitted to abdominoplasty with umbilical transposition. Two groups were identified: group A, abdominoplasty performed with steel scalpel/knife; and group B, abdominoplasty performed with diathermocoagulation on coagulation mode. Several variables were determined: general characteristics, time until drain removal, daily and total volume of drain output, length of hospital stay, operative time, readmission, re-operation, emergency department visits, and local and systemic complications. Results: A total of 119 full abdominoplasties were performed in women (group A, 39 patients; group B, 80 patients). There were no statistically significant differences between groups with respect to general characteristics, except for body mass index, comorbidities, and weight of the surgical specimen; there were no differences for operative time, systemic complications, hematoma, and necrosis incidence. The scalpel group had a highly significant reduction of 54.56% on total drain output, and a 2.65 day reduction on time to drain removal and no reported cases of seroma or healing problems (difference of 81.25% and 90.00%, respectively, between the 2 groups). Conclusions: Performing abdominal dissection with scalpel had a beneficial effect on patient recovery, as it reduced time requested for drain removal, total drain output, and incidence of seroma and wound healing problems.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9