Extreme—Super obesity and panniculectomy: bipolar radiofrequency scalpel assisted surgery as a valuable option for the most challenging cases

In Italy, with a cohort of 6.3 million morbidly obese patients, panniculectomy is often necessary both in relation to bariatric surgery and as the sole treatment to reduce excess lower abdominal tissues. At first glance, the procedure could be misjudged as technically simple; however, when considering patients with Extreme obesity or worse (BMI > 40 kg/m²), the surgical risks increase significantly, patients are often inoperable, and few studies are available in the literature. Most surgeons actually avoid this job and related risks. Recent research has highlighted a potential role of the Bipolar Radiofrequency Scalpel (BRS) in various fields as a promising tool to reduce surgical complications. With this paper, the authors report their experience in the management of panniculectomy in Extreme (BMI > 40 kg/m²) and Super (BMI > 50 kg/m²) obese patients through the technique of BRS assisted panniculectomy.

A retrospective study was conducted on Extreme / Super obese patients who underwent BRS assisted panniculectomy between June 2013—June 2022. The panniculectomy involved lower abdomen excess skin and soft tissues removal, assisted by BRS, minimal undermining, and eventual abdominal hernia repair. Surgical procedures, and complications rate are discussed.

Fourteen patients matched the selection criteria and were included in the study. Minor and major complications occurred in 28,6% and 14,3%, respectively. No flap necrosis, infections, cellulitis or decubitus ulcer occurred. Seroma 28,6% (4/14) and hematoma 7,1% (1/14) were the most relevant complications in the study population.

BRS assisted panniculectomy with minimal undermining is a valuable option for patients with extreme or super obesity. At the time of dissection, minimizing undermining and using BRS could make the operation safer and therefore extendable to a larger cohort of patients.

Level of evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic; Risk/Prognostic.