Surgical Wound Complications in Postbariatric Patients Undergoing Body Contouring Plastic Surgeries: The Challenges of Healing.

BACKGROUND

Healing is the final stage of surgical trauma, and its effective management is essential. However, this complex process is influenced by multiple factors, making its control challenging and susceptible to changes, especially in at-risk populations. In this context, postbariatric patients are more prone to postoperative complications, particularly when they undergo body-contouring plastic surgeries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of surgical wound complications and the associated factors in postbariatric patients undergoing body-contouring plastic surgery in a Brazilian hospital.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort in which data were collected from medical records, including patients from the Plastic Surgery Department of North Wing Regional Hospital from January 2011 to December 2023 who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 480 procedures were performed on 316 patients (19 males and 297 females). The average age was 43 years. The rate of general complications was 31.3%, and that of surgical wounds, infections, or wound dehiscence was 17.7%. This rate was associated with the following factors: weight of the abdominal flap greater than 2.000 g; associated surgeries; anemia; and metabolic syndrome before plastic surgery. Surgical wound complications in postbariatric patients are associated with the clinical profile before body-contouring plastic surgery. Furthermore, they are more susceptible to surgeries in more than one anatomical topography and require large tissue excisions.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate preoperative preparation for postbariatric patients is essential. Controlled risk factors can lead to favorable outcomes. Therefore, complication rates must be considered during postoperative management to establish prophylactic measures and/or effective treatments.