Tumescent liposuction complicated by pulmonary edema

Tumescent Liposuction(1-5) (pressurized,(6,7) superwet(8)) utilizes hypodermoclysis, the delivery of fluids subcutaneously for local anesthesia and hemostasis. Hypodermoclysis is a centuries-old procedure,(9) commonly used even into the 1950s,* for resuscitation and nutrition that has been considered safe and effective for delivering moderate quantities of fluid over brief or extended periods,(10-16) The tumescent technique, however, relies on infusion of greater quantities of fluid in shorter periods, which some authors believe provides many advantages.(5-7,17-20) No cardiopulmonary compromise has been reported in large-volume liposuction patients, despite infusing as much as 15 liters parenterally.(6,7) Despite few reported complications, the potential for fluid overload exists with rapid and high-volume hypodermoclysis.(21) We report a case of pulmonary edema associated with the tumescent technique of liposuction.