Indications and Outcomes of Abdominoplasty in Sudanese Patients
Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the epidemiology, and outcome of abdominoplasty at four different plastic units in Khartoum state. Methods: It is a descriptive, prospective, cross sectional study conducted at Soba University Hospital, Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Omdurman Teaching Hospital and Omdurman Military Hospital in the period between 1st of October 2012 to 1st October 2013 . Forty four abdominoplasty procedures performed were included. Follow-up period was for one year from time of surgery. Variables studied included patient characteristics, clinical presentation, indications, complications, and patient satisfaction with the final result. Results: Most of the patients (95%) were female, 76% of them were married. Mean age at the time of operation was 45 ± years. The youngest patient was 28 years old and the oldst was 71 years old .The majority of patients (72.7%) were from central Sudan. Average body mass index (BMI) was 25kg/m2. Seventy-sevent percent of patients (34 patients) presented with hernia as the main complain. 79% were seeking cosmetic outcome. 54% had pain and 50% reported interference with acivities. The commonest type of procedure performed was mini abdominoplasty in ( 37) of patients followed by full abominoplasty in (6) patients and one patient had reverse abdominoplasty. The most common postoperative complications were decreased skin sensation (25%), infection (22.7%), seroma (9.1%), and cutaneous necrosis (6.8%). Veinous thromboembolisms (VTE) had not been reported in the studied group patients. Previous surgery and the comorbidity increased incidence of complications. Minor wound complications occurred in young age group(66.6% vs.33.4%), while major in elder. No death encountered. Average duration of hospital stay was four days. Fourty three patients feel satisfied by the results of surgery. Conclusions: Abdominoplasty is a safe procedure in experienced hands. Selected patients with huge ventral hernia should be offered the p
