Relation Between Panniculectomy & Weight Loss Surgery

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a form of weight loss surgery in which about 85% of the stomach is removed thus leaving a shape of cylindrical type or sleeve type stomach. In this type of surgery the outlet valve and the nerves to the stomach are remained intact and only the stomach is drastically reduced in size whereas the functions are preserved. There are some restrictions put in the eating habits of the patient after the surgery as he has to considerable reduce the amount of food he intakes.

Most of the surgery particularly associated with bariatric surgery can leave behind large amounts of extra skin in the lower stomach area that usually hangs beneath the belt line and this type of skin left is normally called the pannus or abdominal apron.

This extra fold of the skin that usually hangs after the bariatric surgery can hinder hygiene and can put stress on the back thus making every day activities difficult and in the area specifically the pubic region can become moist as perspiration in that area is trapped as a result it can cause rashes, skin ulcers and odor. In such cases a procedure called panniculectomy is being used to resolve the issue of the excess skin.

People who have lost large amount of weight and are going through negative side effects due to excess skin in the abdominal area are the probable candidates for the surgery of panniculectomy. it should also be noted that the patient going through this procedure is having stable weight for at least six months.

Panniculectomy is known to be an invasive surgical procedure which normally takes 4 to 5 hours as it removes the excess skin and fat of the pannus from the lower abdomen by using a horizontal incision that goes from hip to hip with a downward curve and a part of vertical incision which runs from below the sternum to the pubic area. After the surgery is made successful by removing the overhanging skin and fat the remaining skin is then pulled tight and closed.

After the surgery is over patient can have a feeling of uneasiness due to swelling and bruising in that area and in that case proper care and medication can prove to be a better way in providing help as the patient may require taking a sponge bathe and always wearing a support garment. Patients are also recommended to avoid any kind of strenuous activity for some weeks.

There are some types of complications involved with this type of surgery and the most common of it are infection, bleeding and excessive scarring.