Postoperative sensory disturbances following abdominoplasty.
Conditions
Interventions
Group 1: Abdominoplasty Group – Patients with massive weight loss (post-bariatric or conservative) who underwent abdominoplasty (standard horizontal or fleur-de-lis technique) at BG Klinik Tübingen be
Sponsors
Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Tübingen, Klinik für Hand- Plastische- Rekonstruktive und Verbrennungschirurgie
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Study Group – Inclusion Criteria: Abdominoplasty (standard horizontal or fleur-de-lis technique) between 2010 and 2025 at BG Klinik Tübingen, massive weight loss = 20 kg (post-bariatric or conservative), minimum age 18 years at time of surgery, at least 6 months postoperatively at time of examination, capacity to consent, sufficient knowledge of German. Control Group – Inclusion Criteria: Massive weight loss = 20 kg (post-bariatric or conservative), clinically documented excess skin of the abdomen, minimum age 18 years, written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Study Group – Exclusion Criteria: Less than 6 months postoperatively, circular abdominoplasty/lower body lift/360° techniques, previous abdominoplasty or abdominal wall revision, history of laparotomy with midline incision, history of caesarean section, major abdominal surgery with abdominal wall dissection, revision with re-dissection more than 2 weeks after primary surgery, acute wound healing disorders at time of examination, manifest peripheral neuropathy, systemic neurological disorders (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease), chronic pain syndrome with long-term analgesic use, acute skin infections in the measurement area, severe chronic skin disorders in the examination area, pregnancy, severe psychiatric disorders, lacking capacity to consent or withdrawal of consent, insufficient knowledge of German. Control Group – Exclusion Criteria: Previous abdominal surgery with potential influence on abdominal wall sensation (e.g. caesarean section, laparotomy), neurological disorders affecting peripheral sensory function, active skin disorders in the examination area, pregnancy or breastfeeding, lacking ability to cooperate for examination.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Co-primary Endpoint 1: Sensory Regeneration of the Abdominal Wall Sensory thresholds of the abdominal wall in 10–13 standardised fields depending on postoperative time, assessed at a single time point (T1: = 6 months postoperatively) using Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST). Co-primary Endpoint 2: Sexual Function Sexual function and its correlation with sensory deficits, assessed at a single time point (T1) using the FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index; women) and IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function; men), respectively. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Secondary Endpoint 1: Skin Perfusion Tissue oxygen saturation of the abdominal wall, assessed at a single time point (T1: = 6 months postoperatively) using hyperspectral imaging (TIVITA®). Secondary Endpoint 2: Skin Elasticity Biomechanical parameters of the abdominal skin, assessed at a single time point using the Cutometer®. Secondary Endpoint 3: Soft Tissue Thickness Distance from the rectus sheath to the skin surface, assessed at a single time point using ultrasound. Secondary Endpoint 4: Body Image Satisfaction with abdomen and body as well as psychosocial function, assessed at a single time point using the BODY-Q. Secondary Endpoint 5: Health-Related Quality of Life Physical and mental quality of life, assessed at a single time point using the SF-12 (Short Form Health Survey-12). Secondary Endpoint 6: Somatotopic Localisation Accuracy Spatial discrimination ability of the abdominal wall, assessed at a single time point using a standardised somatotopic localisation test. | — |
Countries
Germany
Contacts
Public ContactAnna-Lena Bettenhausen
Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Tübingen, Klinik für Hand- Plastische- Rekonstruktive und Verbrennungschirurgie
Outcome results
None listed