Quilting Sutures Versus Suprascarpa’s Dissection in Reduction of Seroma Formation Following Abdominoplasty

Abstract

Background: Abdominoplasty surgery is used to enhancebody quality and shaping body contours. Massive weight reductioncauses an overabundance of superfluous skin thatcauses additional psychological and functional issues. Themost frequent post-abdominoplasty consequence is seroma,which often develops in the second postoperative week in areaswhere the skin of the trunk is compromised or dead space isproduced. Several prophylactic measures have been proposedto reduce the prevalence of postoperative seroma, includingdrains, the use of compression garments, tissue adhesives,quilting Sutures and Suprascarpa’s fascia preservation.Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacyof Suprascarpa’s dissection and quilting sutures in reducingseroma production after abdominoplasty in regarding thequantity of seroma, duration of drain, length of hospital stay,patient satisfaction, and ultimate cosmetic result.Patients and Methods: This study includes 30 female patientsat the Plastic Surgery Unit. All of the patients met thefollowing criteria: All patients had a BMI of less than 30, allpatients have excess abdominal skin and fat tissue, and all patientsexhibit musculoaponeurotic laxity. Between June 2022and June 2023, our prospective study was carried out at theBenha University Hospital’s Plastic Surgery Unit. 15 patientshad abdominoplasty using the quilting suture technique, while15 others had them using Scarpa’s fascia preservation.Results: 8 patients had pendulous abdomen post weightgain, 7 patients presented with redundant skin following dietaryweight loss, 8 patients presented with abdominal deformitiespost bariatric surgery and 7 patients presented with skinlaxity following multiple pregnancies. Regarding the complications,14 patients had no complications, 8 patients with seroma,6 patients with hematoma and 2 patients with wounddehiscence.Conclusion: Suprascarpa’s fascia preservation and quiltingsutures are effective in preserving abdominal wall lymphaticsand decreasing postoperative complications especially;decreasing seroma rates, reducing drain duration and hospitalstays.