TUMESCENT LIPOSUCTION COMPLICATED BY PULMONARY-EDEMA

Tumescent Liposuction(1-5) (pressurized,(6,7) superwet(8)) utilizes hy podermoclysis, the delivery of fluids subcutaneously for local anesthe sia and hemostasis. Hypodermoclysis is a centuries-old procedure,(9) c ommonly used even into the 1950s, for resuscitation and nutrition tha t has been considered safe and effective for delivering moderate quant ities of fluid over brief or extended periods,(10-16) The tumescent te chnique, however, relies on infusion of greater quantities of fluid in shorter periods, which some authors believe provides many advantages. (5-7,17-20) No cardiopulmonary compromise has been reported in large-v olume liposuction patients, despite infusing as much as 15 liters pare nterally.(6,7) Despite few reported complications, the potential for f luid overload exists with rapid and high-volume hypodermoclysis.(21) W e report a case of pulmonary edema associated with the tumescent techn ique of liposuction.