Abdominal Panniculectomy After Bariatric Surgery: An Unmet Need in the Bariatric Population

Introduction: Panniculectomies are performed relatively infrequently despite demand for this procedure among bariatric surgery patients. Materials and Methods: In this multicomponent study, a survey of postbariatric surgery patients more than 6 months postop was distributed at the Edmonton Adult Bariatric Specialty Clinic from July 2017 to April 2018 and a survey of 245 plastic, bariatric, and general surgeons in the province of Alberta was administered online. Results: Of 87 postbariatric surgery patients surveyed, 90.6% were satisfied with the result of their bariatric surgery, yet 69.1% reported at least one issue relating to excess skin and 90.7% were interested in undergoing panniculectomy for excess abdominal skin. Among 22 general and 11 plastic surgeons surveyed, 41% of whom reported performing panniculectomy, 74% agreed that postbariatric panniculectomy is a medical necessity, but the majority of surgeons not already performing panniculectomy would not include it in their practice due to lack of interest, lack of operating room time, and inadequate financial compensation. Conclusion: There is significant demand for panniculectomy, but few surgeons are interested in performing panniculectomy, leaving a considerable care gap.