Dissection Technique for Abdominoplasty With Scarpa Fascia Preservation: Comparative Study on Avulsion Technique Versus Diathermocoagulation.

[BACKGROUND] Many strategies have been developed to lower the high complication rate associated with a full abdominoplasty. The dissection technique may have a role to achieve this goal.

[OBJECTIVES] The present study compared 2 different dissection techniques to perform a full abdominoplasty with Scarpa fascia preservation: avulsion technique and electrodissection.

[METHODS] A retrospective observational cohort study was performed in 2 health institutions from January 2005 to January 2019. A total of 251 patients were involved: 122 patients submitted to abdominoplasty employing the avulsion technique (Group A) and 129 with diathermocoagulation (coagulation mode) (Group B). The latter was further divided into group B1 (57 patients with device settings according to surgeon's preferences) and B2 (72 patients with a specific regulation aiming at minimal tissue damage). Several variables were analyzed: population characteristics, time of hospital stay, time to drain removal, total and daily drain output, emergency department visits, readmission, reoperation, and local and systemic complications.

[RESULTS] The general characteristics of both groups did not statistically significantly differ except for previous abdominal surgery. The diathermocoagulation group had a significantly lower length of hospital stay and time to drain removal. Moreover, these advantages were maximized when electrocautery was conducted with a specific low-voltage setting as significant differences were found. The other outcomes were identical.

[CONCLUSIONS] Limiting the extension of electrodissection with the avulsion technique did not present any advantage. Utilizing diathermocoagulation (coagulation mode) during a full abdominoplasty with Scarpa fascia preservation, especially when it is aimed at minimal tissue damage, reduces patients' time with drains.