Dissection Methods in Abdominoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Abdominoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed worldwide. Despite recent advances in surgical technique, the risk of complications remains high. The advantages of using various dissection devices as a method of flap elevation in abdominoplasty remains unclear. A systematic search was undertaken to identify studies comparing electrocautery dissection with scalpel dissection and plasma-kinetic energy-based dissection methods in abdominoplasty. A meta-analysis was performed using the selected studies. Seven studies were analyzed. These studies included a total of 1143 patients who underwent abdominoplasty using electrocautery (n = 617), steel scalpel (n = 457), or plasma dissection (n = 69). A meta-analysis was conducted, which showed an overall reduction in incidences of seroma, operative time, and length of hospital stay in the scalpel dissection group compared with the electrocautery group. The plasma dissection group showed a reduction in rate of postoperative wound infection and hematoma, as well as a reduction in drain output and length of hospital stay, compared with the electrocautery group. There are few studies comparing outcomes using different dissection techniques in abdominoplasty. These studies are small and heterogeneous in design. However, using plasma-kinetic energy-based devices or scalpel dissection appears to be associated with reduced complication rates, shorter operative time, lower drain volumes, and a reduction in the length of hospital stay.