The Effect of Scarpa Fascia Preservation in Lipo-Abdominoplasty on Abdominal Skin Perfusion Monitored by Infrared Thermography.

BACKGROUND

The safety of the lipoabdominoplasty is always a matter of concern specially the perfusion of the abdominal skin. Several anatomical studies of the anterior abdominal wall investigated the vascular supply of the skin after abdominoplasty. Different techniques were tried aiming to enhance the vascular perfusion of the distal abdominal skin. Scarpa fascia preservation reduced the likelihood formation of seroma. Recently, a single study reported that preservation of scarpa fascia underneath the abdominal flap enhances the perfusion and survival of the abdominal skin.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

In a Controlled randomized study, 20 patients underwent lipoabdominoplasty. 10 patients underwent standard lipoabdominoplasty (group I), while the other 10 patients underwent lipoabdominoplasty with scarpa fascia preservation. All the demographic data and preoperative conditions were consistent in both groups. Pre-, immediate postoperative and one-month postoperative measurement of distal skin temperature by Infrared Thermography (IRT) was recorded for both groups. The recorded temperature by IRT reflects the tissue perfusion and viability.

RESULTS

With a consistent demographic data and single surgical operating, Statistical analysis of the IRT measurements revealed a non-significant difference in patients of both groups.

CONCLUSION

The preservation of scarpa fascia did not enhance the vascular perfusion of the distal skin after abdominoplasty. However, preservation of scarpa fascia may minimize the formation of postoperative seroma due to lymphatic drainage and a decreased dead space.

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