Splenic and Portal Vein Thrombosis following Liposuction

Abstract

This article reports the first case of splenic and portal vein thrombosis evolving from tumescent liposuction. The patient was a 47-year-old white female. Within 48 hours of the surgery, the patient developed generalized abdominal cramping and discomfort without fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. Radiological analysis with ultrasound and CT could not differentiate between fat or blood emboli. Heparinization and hyaluronidase use are acknowledged as controversial measures, but surgeons should be alerted to the potential for a tumescent-liposuction-induced thromboembolic event and become sensitized to its signs and symptoms.