Safety of Combining Abdominoplasty and Total Abdominal Hysterectomy

Abstract

Combined surgeries eliminate the need for 2 anesthetics and 2 hospitalizations, the postoperative period of convalescence is no longer than for either procedure alone, and the total cost is reduced significantly. However, the safety of combining procedures is an unanswered question. We present 15 patients that underwent combined abdominoplasty with total abdominal hysterectomy from January 1992 to July 2002. A retrospective chart review was performed; surgical reports were analyzed, along with subsequent clinical follow-up notes. One patient had a wound infection that required hospitalization, drainage, and intravenous antibiotics. Four patients had minor complications. Patients' satisfaction with the esthetic and functional results of combined procedures has been impressive. Our experience confirms the basic safety of the combined surgery when done on appropriately selected patients. These results are discussed in respect to the current literature.

Outcomes and Safety of the Combined Abdominoplasty-Hysterectomy: A Preliminary Study

“…One study discouraged ABP combined with cesarean delivery due to increased complications and unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes [17]. More recently, most groups believe that a combined ABP-HYS is safe and does not have any increase in complication rates when compared to ABP and HYS on separate dates [1,[6][7][8][9][10]. One study even showed that concurrent ABP and panniculectomy with pelvic surgery in the morbidly obese had a lower incidence of wound infection and blood loss than pelvic surgery alone [18].…”

“…Certain groups have reported that the combined procedure resulted in increased complications, particularly in an increased incidence of pulmonary embolus [2][3][4][5]. More recently, others have indicated that ABP-HYS is safe and does not result in an increase in complication rates when compared to ABP and HYS on separate dates [1,[6][7][8][9][10]. Additionally, it has been shown that the combined procedure can allow greater operative exposure, thus aiding the gynecologic surgeon [11].…”

Hysterectomy with Concurrent Panniculectomy

“…9 Then, in 2005, Kaplan and Bar-Meir concluded that the advantages of combined procedures include single anesthesia and hospitalization, postoperative convalescence period with the same length as either procedure alone, and total cost reduction. 5 Moreover, Wright et al found that 91 percent of their patients were happy they had undergone panniculectomy, and 86 percent stated that they would undergo the procedure again. 6 More recently, Craig et al showed a significant increase in minor complications and hospital stay after combined procedures relative to the pelvic surgery control group but not the aesthetic control group.…”

Assessing the Safety and Efficacy of Combined Abdominoplasty and Gynecologic Surgery

“…Certain authors have suggested that combining abdominoplasty with gynecologic procedures is safe and can be performed without an increase in complications. [3][4][5] Most authors, however, have noted an increase in complications including greater need for transfusion, increased incidence of pulmonary embolus, and prolonged operative times and hospitalizations. 6 -10 It is important to provide clear answers to women considering combined abdominoplasty and gynecologic surgery about safety and efficacy, but contradicting results and a relatively limited amount of studies make these answers difficult to find.…”