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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Abdominoplasty | Research

Post-partum abdominal wall insufficiency syndrome (PPAWIS): lessons learned from a single surgeon’s experience based on 200 cases

Authors: Maciej Śmietański, Irmina Anna Śmietańska, Mateusz Zamkowski

Published in: BMC Surgery | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Post-partum abdominal wall insufficiency (PPAWI) with rectus diastasis is present in over 30% of women after pregnancy. Little is known about how PPAWI affects the social, sexual life and self-esteem of patients. This study was designed to evaluate the safety of onlay mesh combined with abdominoplasty and its impact on the well-being of the patients.

Method

Two hundred patients with PPAWI underwent surgery with onlay mesh and abdominoplasty. The safety of the procedure was assessed by postoperative complications, time of hospitalization and time of drainage. Before the operation and 6 months later, a questionnaire asking about the patient’s sexual and social life and the presence of back pain was completed. The final cosmetic effect was assessed separately.

Results

The onlay procedure with abdominoplasty was found to be safe and fast. The mean operation time was 82 min, and the drainage time was 2.1 days. In this group < 2% postoperative complications were noted. There were no recurrences within the 6 month. Significant improvements in social and sexual life and the level of self-esteem were noted. Back pain was relieved or minimalized in all patients. The final cosmetic effect was insufficient for 2 patients (1%).

Conclusion

PPAWI can be treated safely with onlay mesh and abdominoplasty. The patients’ symptoms were strongly correlated with the morphological status of the front abdominal wall and improved after the procedure. Describing the psychological and social consequences of PPAWI should lead the surgical societies to propose a definition of a new disease called PPAWIS (post-partum abdominal wall insufficiency syndrome).

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Title: Post-partum abdominal wall insufficiency syndrome (PPAWIS): lessons learned from a single surgeon’s experience based on 200 cases
Authors: Maciej Śmietański
Irmina Anna Śmietańska
Mateusz Zamkowski
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty
Back Pain
Back Pain
Back Pain
Published in: BMC Surgery / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2482
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-022-01757-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Post-partum abdominal wall insufficiency syndrome (PPAWIS): lessons learned from a single surgeon’s experience based on 200 cases

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

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