Abdominal Visceral Injury, a Devastating Consequence of Abdominal Liposuction: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Abdominal liposuction is a commonly performed cosmetic procedure. However, as with any procedure, it can be associated with complications. One of the life-threatening complications of this procedure is visceral injury and bowel perforation. This complication is very rare, nevertheless general, and acute care surgeons must be aware of its possibility, its management, and its possible sequelae. We report a case of a 37-year-old female who underwent abdominal liposuction which was complicated by bowel perforation and was transferred to our facility for further care. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy in which multiple perforations were repaired. The patient then underwent multiple surgeries including stoma creation and had a long postoperative course. A literature review reveals the devastating sequelae of reported similar visceral and bowel injuries. The patient eventually did well and her stoma was reversed. This patient population will require close intensive care unit observation and a low threshold of suspicion for missed injuries during initial exploration. Further down the line, they will need psychosocial support and the mental health implications of this outcome must be cared for. The long-term aesthetic outcome is yet to be addressed.

An Unexpected Turn: Management of a Life-Threatening Infection Following Liposuction Procedure (Case Report)

“…Those may include bowel and visceral perforation during the procedure, peritonitis, pulmonary embolism, NF, and shock. Nevertheless, there is no clear reason for the connection between heart failure and liposuction procedures [12]. In our case report, we present this complication and highlight it as a possible complication that should be considered while dealing with such cases.…”

Social Comparison and Body Image in Teenage Users of the TikTok App

“…Social media usage provides several opportunities for youth, but it has become a serious public health concern due to its adverse psychological effects [17]. The popular TikTok social media app is used easily where the users can watch, share, or create their content [18].…”

“…It evaluated "yes" with three degrees, "sometimes" with two degrees, and "no" with one degree, in the positive expressions (1,2,7,10,11,16,22,24,25,27). The scores were reversed in the negative expressions (3,4,5,6,8,9,12,13,14,15,17,18,19,20,21,23,26).…”

A rare outcome of liposuction complicated by the development of peritonitis following perforation of the small intestine: a case report

“…[7][8][9] Complication rates are reported between 0% to 10% compared to mortality rates reported at <1% at the hands of experienced plastic surgeons. 12 Bowel and visceral perforation during liposuction are rare complications with a reported incidence of <0.1. [12][13][14] Bowel perforation during liposuction is potentially fatal and is associated with a very high mortality rate.…”

“…12 Bowel and visceral perforation during liposuction are rare complications with a reported incidence of <0.1. [12][13][14] Bowel perforation during liposuction is potentially fatal and is associated with a very high mortality rate. 4 Fatalities have been reported with this condition due to difficult diagnosis, late presentation, the development of peritonitis, and the more complex management.…”