Panniculus is a medical term describing a dense layer of fatty tissue growth, usually in the abdominal cavity. It generally coincides with morbid obesity and can be mistaken for a tumor or hernia. Abdominal panniculus (the "apron" in lay term) can be removed during Abdominal Panniculectomy.

Grading of abdominal panniculus

• Grade 1: Panniculus barely covers the hairline and mons pubis but not the genitalia.
• Grade 2: Extends to cover the genitalia.
• Grade 3: Extends to cover the upper thigh
• Grade 4: Extends to cover the mid thigh.
• Grade 5: Extends to cover the knees or beyond.

References

• Panniculectomy: Time to Remove the Excess Abdominal Fat

Diseases