[Monitoring of serum lidocaine concentration in tumescent liposuction infiltrated with high-dosage lidocaine and its clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE

This study was carried out to determine the maximum and safe dosage of lidocaine administered in tumescent liposuction.

METHODS

In 14 cases of tumescent liposuction using high-dosage, low-concentration lidocaine as local infiltration anesthetic, serum lidocaine concentrations were monitored with automated fluorescence polarization analysis.

RESULTS

The time-concentration curve together with clinical manifestations indicated that in tumescent liposuction, lidocaine, under a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml mixed with 1/1,000,000 to 1/2,000,000 epinephrine, could be administered with a dosage of 35 mg/kg body weight as a local infiltration anesthetic while the serum lidocaine was still within the safety limit and no signs of intoxication manifested. The resulting diminution both in pain and blood loss during the operation enhanced the overall operation safety and suction volume.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the basis for high-dosage lidocaine administration in tumescent liposuction.