Abstract
Background: Despite its association with obesity, the relation between diabetes and the abdominal panniculectomy is less well-established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the result of diabetes on post-panniculectomy complications in a large cohort and to establish the risk factors associated with unfavorable post-operative outcomes. Methods: Patients that underwent a panniculectomy between 2010 and 2018 were identified in PearlDiver, a national insurance claims database, and identified by Current Procedural Terminology code 15380. Patient demographics and comorbidities were elucidated, and various complications were then identified. Descriptive statistics as well as a multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the association of risk factors and complications. Results: A total of 8282 panniculectomy patients were identified-4245 with diabetes, 4037 without. Obesity, tobacco use, and diabetes were all identified as significant risk factors in developing a surgical site infection, wound disruption, as well as needing to undergo reoperation. Diabetic panniculectomy patients had a higher rate of readmission as well as reoperation and sustained a higher rate of surgical complications, even when matched for. Conclusion: Diabetic panniculectomy patients are at a greater risk for developing complications. Identifying potential risk factors in this patient population could help reduce post-operative complications following a panniculectomy.