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Massive Weight Loss Surgery

Abdominoplasty Procedure

Authors: Magnus Balslev Avnstorp, MD, Mette Ydo Jacobsen, Med. Stud., Anne Mosebo, MD, Julie Tastesen, MD and Emir Hansanbegovic, MD

Preoperative markings

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Step 1: Preoperative images

Preoperative drawing with the patient standing in upright position.

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Step 2: Preoperative images

Preoperative drawing with the patient standing and lifting the excissive abdominal skin.

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Step 3: Preoperative

The patient in supine position.

Step-by-step

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Step 1: Dissection of the umbilicus

Carefully cut trough the skin while stretching the umbilicus.

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Step 2: Dissection of the umbilicus

Dissect the umbilicus while paying attention to the blood supply.

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Step 3: Dissection of the umbilicus

Dissect all the way through fat and fascia without jeopardizing the blood to the top of the umbilicus.

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Step 4: Incisions

Make an incision following the inferior incision line. Do not yet incise the superior line.

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Step 5: Dissection the fascia of Scarpa

Using the monopolar cauterizer perform hemostasis while dissecting down to the desired level which is fascia of Scarpa.

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Step 6: Dissection in cranial direction

Continue dissection in a cranial direction. Pass the umbilicus at the level of sliding tissue superficial to the abdominal rectus muscle. Preform hemostasis of larger perforating vessels with sutures. Perform hemostasis on smaller vessels with a cauterizer.

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Step 7: Excissive skin removed

Before the excessive skin is removed control the size by pulling the skin.

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Step 8: Suturing

Sutures should firstly be placed in fascia of Scarpa. Place the drains.

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Step 9: Suturing

Place sutures in two layers in the dermal level of the umbilicus and abdomen. Firstly, with single interrupted inverted absorbable sutures. Secondly, with continuous absorbable sutures. The umbilicus should be placed in line with the most superior point of the iliac crest.

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Step 10: One day after surgery

No signs of complications. There was around 30 ml in the drain.

Pearls

  • Addressing the hanging mons by suturing the scarpas fascia
  • Excise the umbilicus first to avoid inducing lesions in the umbilical blood supply
  • Control the drawn incision lines before excising the last part of excessive skin
  • Leave a thin layer of tissue above the abdominal wall muscle to avoid seroma
  • Do not end the stitches in the T-junction of the abdomen, as this area has the least blood supply

Pitfalls

  • Compromising the blood supply to the umbilicus
  • Stretching the skin too tight

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