Bleeding Risk in Post-bariatric Abdominoplasties: A Large Cohort Study.

Background: Post-bariatric abdominoplasty is a standard procedure to improve body contour and quality of life following massive weight loss. However, perioperative bleeding remains a concern, particularly in the context of thromboprophylaxis and pre-existing comorbidities. This study investigates the risk factors for bleeding, including hypertension and bariatric surgery type, in patients undergoing abdominoplasty post-bariatric surgery.

Methods: Patient data were retrospectively collected from a tertiary centre in Italy. Patient demographics, comorbidities, bariatric surgery type, and thromboprophylaxis use were analysed. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses identified significant predictors of bleeding. Risk ratios (RR) were calculated for bleeding outcomes based on bariatric surgery type and patient variables.

Results: A total of 201 patients who underwent abdominoplasty following bariatric surgery were included in the analysis. The cohort had a median age of 44 years, with 71% female (142/201). Hypertension was significantly associated with bleeding risk (β = 0.1, p = 0.047; RR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.02-6.01, p = 0.045). Among bariatric procedures, gastric banding conferred the highest bleeding risk compared to mini-gastric bypass (RR = 6.8, 95% CI: 2.09-21.8, p = 0.001). Sleeve gastrectomy also showed a higher bleeding risk than mini-gastric bypass (RR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.24-8.5, p = 0.016).

Conclusion: Hypertension emerged as an independent risk factor for bleeding in post-bariatric abdominoplasty, increasing risk by more than twofold. Additionally, bariatric surgery type influenced outcomes, with gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy associated with higher bleeding risk compared to mini-gastric bypass. These findings highlight the importance of preoperative optimisation and surgical planning to mitigate bleeding complications.

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