The technical approach to laparoscopic colectomy in patients who have undergone prior abdominoplasty

Background

For those patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery who have had prior abdominoplasty, cosmetic outcome is important and the technical considerations for laparoscopy in post-abdominoplasty patients have not been previously addressed. The aim of the present study was to define the technical approach to the post-abdominoplasty patient undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery after abdominoplasty.

Methods

Utilizing the technical approach described, eleven patients underwent laparoscopy after prior abdominoplasty over a 7-year period.

Results

The majority of patients (10/11) felt their laparoscopic colorectal resection had no adverse effect on the aesthetics of their prior abdominoplasty. From a surgeon’s standpoint, the only significant challenge was due to the loss of abdominal wall compliance.

Conclusions

The surgical approach to laparoscopic colectomy in the post-abdominoplasty patient requires careful planning. Cosmetic outcome is a particularly important consideration for this subset of patients, and this should be appreciated by the operating surgeon.