Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open (Mar 2023)

Pulmonary Embolism after Liposuction Totally by Tumescent Local Anesthesia in a Patient with Large Uterine Fibroids

  • Nicholas C. Norman, MS,
  • Paytra A. Klein, MBA,
  • Noah J. Choi, BA,
  • David G. Smith, MD,
  • Jeffrey A. Klein, MD, PhD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000004876
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 3
p. e4876

Abstract

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Summary:. A fatal pulmonary embolism occurred in a 43-year-old black woman after tumescent liposuction totally by local anesthesia. An autopsy revealed large uterine fibroids, peri-uterine vascular thrombi, and a large saddle pulmonary embolism. Large uterine fibroids are a risk factor for postsurgical venous thromboembolism. Fatal outcomes after tumescent liposuction totally by local anesthesia are exceedingly rare.