The Impact of Prior Infection with SARS-Cov-2 on Surgical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Body Contouring Procedures

Background: There is evidence of increased postoperative complications in patients who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2. However, previous studies have not examined this effect in abdominal contouring procedures. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted for all patients who underwent abdominoplasty or panniculectomy at our institution from March 2020 to November 2021. Patients were separated into cohorts via preoperative history of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Variables collected include demographic data, concurrent comorbidities, postoperative complications, readmission/reoperation, and length of stay. Parametric, nonparametric, and multivariable regression modeling was used for analysis. Results: Of the 181 patients included, 14 (7.7%) had a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Average time from infection to surgery was 250 days. The mean age and Charlson Comorbidity Index for nonexposed and exposed patients were 45.4 and 45.9 years, and 1.24 and 1.36 points. Patients with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to have chronic kidney disease (odds ratio [OR], 6.79; P = 0.017) and undergo abdominoplasties compared with panniculectomies (OR, 4.43; P = 0.039). There were no other significant differences in patient or operative characteristics between the cohorts. Compared with those with no history of infection, patients with prior infections had increased odds of postoperative complications such as delayed wound healing (OR, 27.67; P < 0.001). No other significant associations were found between prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and perioperative outcomes. Conclusion: Prior SARS-CoV-2 infections may be associated with increased incidence of delayed wound healing despite a significant time lag between the time of infection and operation. Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact relationship and mechanism of action behind these findings.