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Impact of GLP-1 Agonists on Surgical Outcomes in Non-Bariatric Abdominal Panniculectomy: A 10-Year Retrospective Analysis
Zachary A. Koenig
Sydney Rashid
Halil Safak Uygur
West Virginia University
2025-01-10
Presenter: Sydney Rashid
Affidavit:
The material in this abstract has not been presented or published previously. The resident and student completed over 50% of the project.
You have my permission to use my electronic signature.
Director Name: Kerri Woodberry, MD MBA
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are increasingly used for type 2 diabetes and obesity due to metabolic benefits and potential wound-healing properties. However, their perioperative safety in acute surgical settings remains unclear. They can possibly alter tissue quality and intensify GLP-1 side effects. This study examines postoperative complications and GLP-1–associated side effects in non-bariatric patients who underwent panniculectomy.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 373 panniculectomy patients (January 2013–January 2023), including 81 GLP-1 users and 292 non-users. Patients with prior bariatric surgery or concomitant hernia repair were excluded. All had ≥1 year of follow-up. Baseline demographics, nutritional markers, and GLP-1 therapy duration were recorded. Logistic regression was performed to adjust for confounders when comparing complications and side effects.
Results: GLP-1 users had higher rates of type 2 diabetes (55.6% vs 29.5%, p=0.01), hypertension (69.1% vs 52.7%, p=0.04), and COPD (17.3% vs 6.5%, p=0.02), along with elevated prealbumin (22.8 ± 6.6 vs 20.4 ± 7.7 mg/dL, p=0.03). Semaglutide was the most common GLP-1 medication (mean duration 515.7 ± 369.3 days). Adjusted analyses showed significantly greater delayed wound healing (18.5% vs 7.5%, p=0.05) but lower seroma incidence (4.9% vs 14.0%, p=0.03) in GLP-1 users. No significant differences were noted in infection, fat necrosis, hematoma, or GLP-1–related gastrointestinal side effects.
Conclusion: Although GLP-1 agonists demonstrated promise in chronic wound care, their use correlated with increased delayed healing but fewer seromas in acute surgical settings. Overall, these findings support their perioperative safety, though vigilant monitoring for potential wound-healing delays is advised.
