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.