Panniculectomy—an option for people who are morbidly obese - Home Study Program

AORN Journal,  April, 2003  by Marilyn Payer,  Barbara Youngberg,  Shirley Pfister

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ADDITIONAL DISCHARGE PLANNING

The discharge nurse ensured that several responsibilities were accomplished before Mr V left the hospital. She ensured that

* a plane ride home had been obtained;

* his PCP had been contacted;

* his psychiatrist and social services member had been contacted for assistance near home;

* he had been instructed on all medications to be taken at home, even those prescribed before surgery;

* the dietician had reviewed his diet; and

* he had the opportunity to discuss the effect of the surgical procedure on his home situation and ability to stay focused on his postoperative goals.

CONCLUSION

Obesity is becoming a serious national health problem that can result in dire health consequences. More research is needed to fully understand the problem. National recognition of this problem is needed, emphasizing that primary prevention and early detection are of paramount importance. There are numerous options now available for patients who are morbidly obese. Therapies, such as lifestyle changes, increased exercise, diet control, psychological support, and medication therapy may prove to be successful alternatives before surgical intervention becomes necessary. Surgical procedures, such as panniculectomy, usually are only stepping stones to enable the individual to develop the lifestyle changes that absolutely are necessary to achieve ideal body weight and avoid the overwhelming health problems associated with morbid obesity. In this case study, detailed preplanning and precise action resulted in a positive surgical outcome for Mr V.