Intraoperative Cardiac Arrest During Liposuction: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Anesthesiology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure with a perceived low risk of major complications.
• Life-threatening adverse events associated with liposuction are rarely reported.
• Increased awareness of potential complications is necessary due to the procedure's widespread use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of cardiac arrest during liposuction.
• To review the literature on liposuction-associated complications.
• To emphasize the need for vigilance during liposuction procedures.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 36-year-old woman experiencing cardiac arrest during liposuction.
• Literature review of similar incidents and risk factors.
• Diagnostic workup including clinical presentation, electrolyte assessment, and CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA).

Main Results:

• The patient, previously healthy, developed cardiac arrest during liposuction.
• Diagnosis involved clinical signs, electrolyte imbalance, and CTPA findings suggestive of pulmonary embolism.
• The patient received hypothermia treatment, symptomatic care, and supportive therapy, and was discharged to rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

• Spinal anesthesia, pulmonary embolism, and hyperkalemia are suspected contributors to the cardiac arrest.
• Vigilant monitoring for critical incidents during liposuction is crucial.
• Meticulous identification of associated risk factors is imperative for patient safety.