Successful Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Following Liposuction Catastrophe: A Case Report and Literature Review

Devastating abdominal injuries may result from liposuction, which can lead to necrotizing fasciitis and loss of abdominal domain. This may necessitate reconstructing the abdominal wall to improve the patient's quality of life.

The study aims to raise awareness among the readers of this catastrophic complication. Guidelines for preoperative assessment, and intraoperative measures to reduce abdominal complications along with the importance of early recognition, diagnostic tools, and treatment strategies were provided.

We reported a patient who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction following liposuction-inflicted abdominal injury and necrotizing fasciitis. Subsequently, a literature search was conducted to review abdominal wall reconstructive techniques following liposuction-inflicted abdominal injuries. Algorithms for patient safety followed this.

The patient developed necrotizing fasciitis due to liposuction cannula bowel perforation leading to loss of abdominal domain. This was reconstructed with a transversus abdominis release trial with mesh followed by bilateral pedicled neurotized anterolateral thigh flaps with vastus lateralis. The review of the literature included 10 papers describing different techniques of abdominal reconstruction. Common treatment techniques following liposuction-inflicted abdominal injuries were negative pressure wound therapy and skin grafting.

Anterolateral thigh flaps are an excellent option that provides functional and structural repair. Neurotization of the muscle helps protect the muscle from atrophy. The review of the literature showed a lack of abdominal wall reconstruction using musculocutaneous flaps following liposuction-inflicted abdominal injuries.Communicating symptom awareness to patients and the medical team is essential for quickly identifying potential visceral injury after liposuction, ensuring prompt management and improved outcomes.