NON-LIPOSUCTION USES OF TUMESCENT TECHNIQUE IN PLASTIC SORCERY FIELD

ABSTRACT

The purpose of our study is to evaluate utilization and application of the tumescent infusion technique as an adjunct to reconstructive protocols for non-liposuction surgery. Tumescent infusion techniques have improved anesthesia, hemostasis, fluid resuscitation, and safety for cosmetic and reconstructive lipoplasty patients. Clinically, utilization of these techniques has expanded to over 77 non-liposuction cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in the past 28 months. Procedures include tissue expander insertion(3), major flap reconstruction (10), treatment of pressure sore(4), excision of benign tumor(5), escharectomy of burn wound(5), donor site of the skin graft(27), recipient bed of skin graft(9), full thickness skin graft(3), treatment of gynecomastia(3), other procedures(8). Their age range is from 8 to 66 years and total body surface area of tumescent injection ranged from 1 to 18%. The utilized tumescent fluid was Klein formula and the Hunstad modification of the Klein formula (1 liter N/S, 50-100cc 0.5-1% lidocaine, 11000-2000 1-2cc epinephrine, 38degrees C sodium bicarbonate 10mEq(10ml of 8.4% NaHCO3), Triamcinolone 10mg), and the infusion performed by 50cc syringe. Intraoperative blood loss for all tumescent technique was unnoticed in all patients. Post-operative pain was also notably reduced. The tumescent infusion technique can be a useful adjunct for non-liposuction procedures. This retrospective review highlights improved anesthesia, hemostasis, easy excision of skin, easy dissection, fluid resuscitation, and safety, while maintaining satisfactory post-operative healing.