The Edmonton Obesity Staging System as a predictor for postoperative complications after medial thigh lift in massive weight loss patients.

[BACKGROUND] This study investigates the correlation between the Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) and the occurrence of postoperative complications after medial thigh lift in formerly obese patients.

[PATIENTS AND METHODS] A single-institution retrospective review of patients undergoing medial thigh lift between 2009 and 2019 after massive weight loss. Data on demography, comorbidities, surgery, and postoperative outcome were extracted from patients' charts. Patients were grouped into EOSS categories. Complications were classified into minor and major. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between risk factors and complications.

[RESULTS] One hundred and eight patients were included in the study. Complications occurred in 76 (70%) of the patients, most of which were minor (60/108, 56%). Complications increased with increasing EOSS stage, and all EOSS 3 patients had complications. Classification as EOSS 2 or 3 significantly associated with occurrence of postoperative complications (OR 99.3, p<0.001) as well as minor and major complications individually (OR 3.1 and 6.5, p<0.05). This effect was independent of body mass index (BMI), maximum BMI loss, type of weight loss, volume of liposuction, weight of resected tissue, and type of surgery.

[CONCLUSION] EOSS is a robust and independent predictor for postoperative complications in medial thigh lift surgery after massive weight loss.