Safety of Liposuction Using Exclusively Tumescent Local Anesthesia in 3,240 Consecutive Cases
Habbema L; 2009
Synopsis: This article investigates whether liposuction using tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) is a safe procedure, and concludes that TLA is safe provided that the procedure complies with existing guidelines.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many surgeons consider liposuction using tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) to be a safe technique, but when TLA has been combined with other techniques, such as general anesthesia or intravenous medication, or when the guidelines associated with TLA have been violated, serious complications and deaths have occurred. This has resulted in uncertainty concerning the safety of liposuction using TLA, which this article seeks to resolve.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether liposuction using TLA is a safe procedure.
METHODS: The same surgeon performed liposuction using exclusively TLA in 3,240 procedures. Detailed records were kept of the complications that occurred.
RESULTS In a series of 3,240 procedures, no deaths occurred, and no complications requiring hospitalization were experienced. In nine cases, complications developed that needed further action.
CONCLUSIONS Liposuction using exclusively TLA is a proven safe procedure provided that the existing guidelines are meticulously followed.
Keywords: liposuction, tumescent local anesthesia, TLA, safe, complications
APA Citation: Habbema, L. (2009). Safety of Liposuction Using Exclusively Tumescent Local Anesthesia in 3,240 Consecutive Cases. Dermatologic Surgery, 35(11), 1728-1735. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01284.x
AMA Citation: Habbema L. Safety of Liposuction Using Exclusively Tumescent Local Anesthesia in 3,240 Consecutive Cases. Dermatologic Surgery. 2009;35(11):1728-1735. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01284.x.
