Abstract
Objective:
Liposuction using tumescent local anaesthesia (TLA) is considered by many surgeons to be a safe technique. However, where TLA has been combined with other techniques, such as general anaesthesia or intravenous medication, or where 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. In this study we investigate whether liposuction using TLA is a safe procedure.
Methods:
Liposuction using exclusively TLA was performed in 3400 procedures by the same surgeon. Detailed records were kept of the complications that occurred.
Results:
In a series of 3400 procedures, no deaths occurred and no complications requiring hospitalization were experienced. In 9 cases complications developed that needed further action. Results of 3240 have recently been published.
Conclusions:
Liposuction using exclusively TLA is a proven safe procedure provided that the existing guidelines are meticulously followed.
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