Abdominoplasties and Suppurative Hydradenitis (Acne inversa) in Patients after Massive Weight Loss

Introduction Post-bariatric surgical procedures in patients after massive weight loss (MWL) are often associated with elevated minor and major complications (17-55%). If there is additionally a long history of hydradenitis suppurativa (HS) in the lower abdomen and groin area, complications of infection can appear in all patients. Differentiated pre-, peri- and postoperative therapy regime is then indicated. Materials and Methods From 2010 to 2021, a total of 12 (66.6% women, 33.3% men) consecutive patients underwent conventional (Pittsburg rating scale [PRS]: Grade 2) or fleurde-lis abdominoplasty (PRS: Grade 3) after massive weight loss. All patients simultaneously suffered long term HS in the lower abdomen and groin area (Hurley classification Grade 2: n = 10, Grade 3: n = 2). The prevalence in our study was 1.09 %. Postoperative minor and major complications (follow-up 12 months) are determined and correlated with risk factors (e.g. age, method of weight loss, nicotine abuse.). Results Mean age was 45.2 years (+/- 10.3), mean BMI pre-operative 33.24 kg/m(2) (+/- 8.7), the mean decrease in BMI was 19.01 kg/m(2) (+/- 5.9) and the maximum BMI before weight loss 52.25 kg/m(2). The mean duration of the suppurative hydradenitis was 31.5 years and n = 2 (17.0%) had current medical therapy against this. All patients showed further locations of the HS in other parts of the body and 66.6% had had surgical procedures because of the HS. 42.0% had nicotine abuse. The mean operation time was 98 minutes and the mean resection weight was 2210 grams. The overall complication rate was n = 10 (83.0 %), and the rate of major complications n = 8 (66.4%) with surgical intervention in full anaesthesia. No patient had an infected haematoma, abscess or acute bleeding in the first 24 hours postoperatively. Conclusion The antibiotic regime prevented the expected soft tissue infection in all patients. Inspection of the abdomen and groin area 4 weeks before surgery is recommended, in order to start preoperative therapy for the HS.

Automated summary

Post-bariatric surgical procedures in patients after massive weight loss are often associated with high rates of complications, especially if patients also have a long history of hydradenitis suppurativa. A differentiated therapy regime is necessary for these patients. A study on 12 patients who underwent abdominoplasty after massive weight loss showed a high complication rate, but the use of antibiotics prevented soft tissue infections.