Pneumothorax as a Complication of Liposuction.

BACKGROUND: Pneumothorax is a rare complication of liposuction resulting from injury to the lung parenchyma.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the incidence of pneumothorax complicating liposuction, describe an archetypal presentation, identify risk factors, and propose options for risk reduction.

METHODS: In a retrospective chart review, liposuction procedures performed over a 16-year period by 8 surgeons in 1 practice were screened for pneumothorax. Cases featuring pneumothorax were analyzed to ascertain risk factors, presentation, and pathogenesis.

RESULTS: Among the 16,215 liposuction procedures performed during the study period, 7 pneumothoraxes were identified (0.0432%). Six (85.7%) were female. Three (42.9%) had previous liposuction. Six cases (85.7%) included liposuction of the axillary region. All cases featured depression of intra/postoperative oxygen saturations as the initial sign. Three (42.9%) were identified intraoperatively. All patients were transferred to a hospital for imaging. Five (71.4%) underwent chest tube placement. Two (28.6%) were treated with observation alone. Pneumothoraxes were left-sided in 4 cases (57.1%), and right-sided in 3 cases (42.9%). In early cases, 1.5-mm infiltration cannulas were used; in 2016 cannula size was changed to 3-4 mm for infiltration and 4-5 mm for liposuction.

CONCLUSIONS: Possible risk factors for pneumothorax include liposuction of the axilla, use of flexible infiltration cannulas, and scarring from previous liposuction. We recommend including pneumothorax as a potential complication during informed consent, performing infiltration with a stiff >3.5-mm cannula, minimizing positive-pressure ventilation, emphasized awareness of cannula tip location in all patients but particularly in patients with previous liposuction or scar tissue, and increased caution when operating in the axillary area.