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01-08-2021 | Abdominoplasty | Review

The postpartum abdomen: psychology, surgery and quality of life

Authors: S-J. Edmondson, D. A. Ross

Published in: Hernia | Issue 4/2021

Abstract

Purpose

The postpartum abdomen presents significant challenges to the surgeon. It is anatomically complex, with often substantial symptomatic divarication of the rectus abdominis, affecting all anterior abdominal wall layers. This may lead to profound functional sequelae, and often, of more importance to patients, a significant physical deformity. The complex interplay of functional/physical symptoms can result in reduced quality of life (QoL) as well as negative body image/self-esteem. Postpartum women may seek abdominoplasty to address the whole scope of these concerns. Whilst techniques have evolved achieving such goals operatively, the impact of such surgery on QoL/mental health has yet to be established.

Methods

We perform a comprehensive review of potential options of validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for consideration of use in postpartum women seeking abdominoplasty; in addition to discussing current driving factors for seeking surgery and associated ethics.

Results

Pressure on postpartum women to return their abdominal wall contour to a pre-pregnant state is high. This poses important ethical considerations for surgeons. There are several well-established/validated PROMs used in body contouring in massive weight loss/bariatric population groups, including Body-Q and Body-QoL scales, but none yet specific to postpartum women.

Conclusion

PROMs use to enable establishment of the true value of abdominoplasty in postpartum women, not just in terms of functional/physical restoration, but also in terms of delivering a positive impact on patients’ mental health and QoL, are important. Further research is needed to determine if those already developed are appropriate or whether a postpartum-specific PROM would be beneficial.

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Title: The postpartum abdomen: psychology, surgery and quality of life
Authors: S-J. Edmondson
D. A. Ross
Publication date: 01-08-2021
Publisher: Springer Paris
Keywords: Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty
Body Contouring
Diastasis Recti
Published in: Hernia / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 1265-4906
Electronic ISSN: 1248-9204
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-021-02470-0

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

The postpartum abdomen: psychology, surgery and quality of life

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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