Long-term outcome of women who undergo panniculectomy at the time of gynecologic surgery.
OBJECTIVE
While panniculectomy has been shown to be a useful technique in obese women undergoing gynecologic surgery, the long-term outcome of these patients has been poorly described. The goal of this study was to determine the long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction of women who underwent panniculectomy at the time of pelvic surgery.


METHODS
A retrospective review of patients who underwent panniculectomy at the time of pelvic surgery between 1996 and 2004 was performed. Postoperative complications and long-term trends in weight were evaluated. Patient satisfaction was assessed by telephone survey.


RESULTS
Forty-two patients were identified. The mean EBL was 522 ml, the mean operating time was just over 4 h. Wound complications were noted in 36% of the subjects. Two weeks after the procedure, 86% of the women had a weight that was lower than their preoperative weight. Weight loss peaked 3 months postoperatively, 97% of the subjects had a net lower weight, with a mean loss of nearly 20 lb. Over the ensuing 2 years, weight loss gradually declined. After 2 years of follow-up, 62% of the women were below their preoperative body weights. The mean weight loss at 24 months was 7 lb. Overall patient satisfaction with the procedure was high. Eighty-six percent of the subjects responded that they would undergo the procedure again given their outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Panniculectomy is well tolerated and associated with a high rate of patient satisfaction. Panniculectomy is a valuable component of gynecologic surgery in morbidly obese women.
Wright
Jason D
JD
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, 4911 Barnes Hospital Plaza, Box 8064, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. wrightj@msnotes.wustl.edu
Rosenbush
Emily J
EJ
Powell
Matthew A
MA
Rader
Janet S
JS
Mutch
David G
DG
Gao
Feng
F
Gibb
Randall K
RK
D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000601:surgery; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome