Abstract:
The objective of this study is to investigate whether the addition of liposuction or panniculectomy to a cesarean section is associated with an increased risk of complications. A total of 82 patients were split into two groups. 36 patients with a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2 underwent a panniculectomy or liposuction (study group), and 48 served as controls. The following postsurgical complications were included: fever, seromas, hematomas, and wound dehiscence. All patients were followed for 8 weeks after surgery. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 20.0. Frequency of postpartum fever was 33% in the study group vs 18% in the control group. Seromas were present in 13% vs 8%, respectively; hematomas, 9% vs 5.5%, and wound dehiscence was 8.2% vs 3%, respectively. The expected outcome was that the performance of panniculectomy or liposuction as a part of cesarean section will not appear to significantly increase surgical complications in patients with truncal obesity. These results were conclusive.
