University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Addenbrooke's University Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
To describe the indications, surgical technique and outcomes of abdominoplasty as a novel tool for revising complicated urostomies.
Four patients (3 females, 1 male; mean body mass index = 32 kg/m; mean age = 56 years) who underwent abdominoplasty for urostomy revision 2007-2009 were identified. Ileal conduits had been performed following ablative or diversion surgery for cervical carcinoma, bladder carcinoma, interstitial cystitis, and neuropathic bladder. A postal questionnaire was used to establish pre- and postabdominoplasty stoma function.
Patients were referred to the reconstructive team with problems fitting their urostomy-appliance leading to urinary leakage, skin irritation, and social embarrassment. Uro-abdominoplasty indications included multiple abdominal scars (n = 2), large abdominal apron (n = 4), and deep skin creases (n = 2). Three patients had undergone previous failed urostomy repositioning or peristomal liposuction. The joint plastic surgical-urological operations lasted a mean of 3 hours, with no major postoperative complications. Patients were discharged 8 days later. Of 4 patients, 3 reported improved appliance fitting and reduced urinary leakage (>50%) and the remaining patient had intermittent leakage due to a persistent abdominal fold superiorly, and has since undergone reverse abdominoplasty. Two patients complained of long-term lower abdominal numbness, but all 4 were satisfied with the aesthetic improvement.
Abdominoplasty has been successfully used in our center for the purpose of improving urostomy dysfunction of intractable mechanical leakage by creating a flatter surface for appliance fitting. Uro-abdominoplasty widens the reconstructive repertoire of plastic surgeons and can be considered in those who have exhausted conservative or simpler surgical solutions.
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Mickute Z, Chen YA, Som R, Malata CM. Are you the author?
Reference: Ann Plast Surg. 2011 May 27. Epub ahead of print.
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 21629097
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