Fulminant adult respiratory distress syndrome after suction lipectomy. A case report
Boezaart, A.P.; Clinton, C.W.; Braun, S.; Oettle, C.; Lee, N.P.
South African Medical Journal 78(11): 693-695
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 2251620 Document Number: 348584
The adult respiratory distress syndrome developing within 24 hours in a patient who underwent suction lipectomy for body contouring under general anaesthesia is reported. During surgery, in which a total of 1.3 l of suction matter was removed, the patient became haemodynamically unstable and mildly hyperthermic. Subsequently, clinical signs and symptoms of the fat embolism syndrome developed. Aggressive haemodynamic and respiratory support over an 8-day period resulted in patient survival. Malignant hyperthermia was excluded as cause for the clinical presentation on muscle biopsy and in vitro caffeine contracture studies. Although usually complication-free, suction lipectomy may be associated with life-threatening incidents. Even suction volumes as low as 1.3 l have potential hazards, therefore the procedure merits regular postoperative observation and re-assessment.