Colocutaneous Fistula After Suction Lipoplasty

Abstract

Suction lipoplasty is considered to be a relatively safe procedure but is not without complications, some of which are lethal. Colonic injury after liposuction has not been reported so far, although small intestinal perforations are known to occur. We present a case of colocutaneous fistula after suction lipoplasty that was successfully managed nonoperatively. A 56-year-old man with history of abdominoplasty presented with feculent discharge from the abdominal wall 7 days after liposuction. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed free intraperitoneal air, with a suspected transverse colonic fistula to the skin. After drainage of abdominal wall abscess, he recovered and the fistula spontaneously closed. Abdominal wall hernias, abdominal operations, and immunosuppression are risk factors for abdominal and intestinal perforations after lipoplasty. Low output colocutaneous fistulae after lipoplasty may close spontaneously unlike small intestinal perforations.