Firas R. Karmo, MD; Michael F. Milan, MD; Steven Stein, MD; and James A. Heinsimer, MD
Background: Intraoperative blood loss and postoperative anemia have been a
concern when more than 1500 ml of lipoplasty material is aspirated. Blood loss is minimal
when the targeted area is infiltrated with large volumes of dilute lidocaine and
epinephrine. However, little quantitative data are available regarding the intraoperative
blood loss and postoperative hemoglobin drop.
Methods: In this prospective study 38 consecutive women were investigated with
preoperative measurement of hemoglobin, platelet count, prothrombin time, activated
partial thromboplastin time, and postoperative measurement of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin and
whole blood volume were calculated from the infranatant portion of the lipoplasty
aspirate. All procedures were done with the patient under general anesthesia.
Results: The mean (±SD) volume of lipoplasty aspirate material was 2901 ± 14702.8
ml (range 1000 to 5800 ml). The mean (±SD) whole blood volume in lipoplasty aspirate per
case was 36 ± 50.82 ml (range 1.2 to 251 ml). The mean (±SD) fall in hemoglobin was 0.93
± 0.92 gm/dl (range 0.2 to 4.3 gm/dl). The volume of whole blood loss was estimated to be
12.4 ml in each 1000 ml of lipoplasty aspirate. No blood transfusions were required.
Conclusion: Data show that blood loss with the tumescent technique is remarkably
low. Use of this technique permits large-volume lipoplasty aspirate and minimizes the need
for blood transfusion.
Firas R. Karmo, MD, is senior general surgery resident, Michael F. Milan, MD, and
Steven Stein, MD, are attending plastic surgeons, and James A. Heinsimer, MD, is director
of research office at St. Joseph Mercy–Oakland in Pontiac, MI.
Funds for the research were obtained from the Medical Education Office of the Department
of Surgery at St. Joseph Mercy–Oakland, Pontiac, MI.
Accepted for publication Dec. 15, 1997.
Reprint requests: Michael F. Milan, MD, 3271 Five Points Dr., Suite 106, Auburn Hills, MI
48326-2380.
Manuscript number: 70/1/88533
Copyright Clearance Center number: 1090-820X/98 $5.00 + 0
January/February
TOC |
Journal Menu |
Periodicals |
||
Mosby |
 Subscribe |
Copyright © Mosby-Year Book, Inc. |
 |
 |