ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The abdomen is an important aesthetic and functional segment in the characterization of body contouring. The plication of the rectus abdominis may cause various problems to the patient such as increased intra-abdominal and thoracic pressure. Thus, this study aims to evaluate abdominal pressure and pulmonary parameters in patients undergoing abdominoplasty with liposuction.
Methods:
This is a descriptive longitudinal prospective study. All patients underwent the lipoabdominoplasty with liposuction of flanks by the same senior plastic surgeon. The intra-abdominal pressure was measured by a device attached to indwelling urinary catheter of the patient and intra-thoracic pressure was measured by the ventilation device monitor. Measurements were made before and after plication and in Fowler’s position.
Results:
Mean surgery time was 4 hours and 08 minutes. Intra-abdominal pressure before and after plication of the rectus abdominis ranged from 2 to 11 cm H2O and 5-16 cm H2O, respectively. Intra-thoracic pressure before and after plication of the rectus abdominis ranged from 13 to 17 cm H2O and 14-18 cm H2O respectively. The intra-abdominal pressure in Fowler’s position ranged from 6 to 23 cm H2O. The intra-thoracic pressure in Fowler’s position ranged from 15 to 19 cm H2O. One case of small dehiscence, one case of seroma and one case of respiratory distress were observed.
Conclusion:
The results demonstrate that plication of the rectus abdominis increases intra-abdominal and pulmonary pressure without generating significant systemic changes.
Keywords:
Abdominoplasty; Pressure; Rectus abdominis.
