A Ruler for Abdominoplasty Preoperative Markings: The Potential of Best Scar Symmetry

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Horta, R (Author) FMUP; Domingues, CS (Author) Other; Dias, CC (Author) Other; Barreiro, D (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Surgical Innovation

ISSN: 1553-3506

Publisher: SAGE

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-7AF

DOI: 10.1177/15533506211033145

Abstract (EN): Background. Scar appearance is an important outcome in abdominoplasty surgery, and its asymmetry can have a significant impact on patient and surgeon satisfaction. Here, we compared the scar symmetry reached with a ruler specially designed for the preoperative marking in abdominoplasty to the classic preoperative incision marking. Methods. In this randomized, uni-blind study, 42 patients were allocated to 2 different groups. Group 1 patients had their preoperative marking made by a group of surgeons that used the classic technique as described by Baroudi (n = 21), and Group 2 patients received their preoperative marking by another group of surgeons, using a ruler specially designed to fit the abdominal contour (n = 21). Patients were evaluated using a standard questionnaire that collected information about general patient's characteristics. On the follow-up period, we evaluated the presence of late surgical complications, need for revision surgery, patient's satisfaction concerning the postoperative scar, and 4 distances were measured in both groups to assess symmetry. Statistical analysis was made. Results. A total of 42 patients underwent abdominoplasty and were evaluated on the follow-up period (mean time: 4 months). The mean difference of corresponding measures on each side (A-B vs. A-B' and A-C vs. A-C') was higher in Group 1 comparing to Group 2. The level of correlation between corresponding measurements was higher in Group 2. Better satisfaction regarding the scar symmetry was achieved in Group 2, being this result statistically significant (P = .004). Conclusions. The use of the specialized ruler may help surgeons achieve a better scar symmetry with higher patient satisfaction.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9