Safety first: precautions for the massive weight loss patient.
A significant increase in bariatric procedures has led to success in maintaining long-term weight loss. The increasing population of patients who have lost massive amounts of weight also has led to a growing responsibility placed on body-contouring surgeons to perform safe and cautious procedures in this inherently difficult patient population. We stratify risk groups and present several case reports and a systematic review of safety precautions. The risks and complications of body contouring can be minimized by a team approach with a meticulous attention to patient evaluation, preoperative planning, safe detailed operative measures, and thorough postoperative care.
Department of Plastic Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington DC, 20007, USA.
Steven P
SP
Davison
Mark W
MW
Clemens
D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000517:prevention & control; D017053:Infection Control; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000150:complications; D018579:Patient Selection; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012449:Safety; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D015431:Weight Loss