Infusion rates and levels of premedication in tumescent liposuction.

BACKGROUND

Tumescent liposuction has proven to be an extremely safe and effective method of liposuction. However, the infusion of tumescent anesthesia can take 1 hour or more to complete.

OBJECTIVE

To document the types, dosages, and routes of administration of premedication utilized by four experienced tumescent liposuction surgeons. To determine if infusion rates for tumescent anesthesia are affected by types of premedication.

METHODS

Four experienced liposuction surgeons were asked to review their most recent 100 tumescent liposuction patients with respect to types and dosages of premedication and routes of administration. Data were also provided on corresponding infusion pump settings and infusion rates. Volumes of tumescent anesthesia and corresponding volumes of fat aspirated were also collected on the same 400 patients.

RESULTS

Infusion of tumescent anesthesia could be performed more rapidly in patients who were given greater amounts of premedication. Volumes of tumescent anesthesia infused were generally two or more times the volume of fat aspirated. Patients could be infused with less premedication if slow infiltration was employed.

CONCLUSION

Infusion rates for tumescent anesthesia can be increased of greater amounts of premedication are given. However, this must be balanced against the safety of the premedication.