Pneumothorax as a Complication of Liposuction
James A Mentz1, Henry A Mentz1, Stephanie Nemir2
1Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
Aesthetic Surgery Journal
|February 1, 2020
Summary
Pneumothorax is a rare liposuction complication. Risk factors include axillary liposuction and prior scarring, with larger cannulas potentially reducing incidence.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Pneumothorax, a rare complication of liposuction, arises from lung parenchyma injury.
- Understanding its incidence and risk factors is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the incidence of pneumothorax following liposuction.
- Describe typical presentations and identify associated risk factors.
- Propose strategies for risk reduction in liposuction procedures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of liposuction procedures over 16 years.
- Analysis of 16,215 procedures to identify pneumothorax cases.
- Case analysis for risk factors, presentation, and pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Identified 7 cases of pneumothorax (0.0432% incidence) among 16,215 liposuction procedures.
- Key risk factors included axillary liposuction (85.7%) and previous liposuction (42.9%).
- Cannula size change in 2016 correlated with potential incidence reduction.
Conclusions:
- Axillary liposuction, flexible cannulas, and prior scarring are potential risk factors.
- Recommendations include informed consent, using stiff cannulas (>3.5mm), and increased caution in specific areas.
- Minimizing positive-pressure ventilation and awareness of cannula tip location are advised.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pneumothorax-I
1.0K
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
1.0K
01:27Pneumothorax-II
773
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
773
01:13Pleura of the Lungs
5.8K
The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
5.8K
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
1.1K
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
1.1K
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
720
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
720
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
656
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
656