A case of intestinal rupture with severe abdominal wall infection caused by liposuction
10.3760/cma.j.cn114453-20240813-00208
- VernacularTitle:吸脂致肠破裂伴严重腹壁感染1例
- Author:
Zhengjun LIU
1
;
Zhangjie HU
;
Sheng ZHAO
;
Bailiang YE
Author Information
1. 温州医科大学附属第一医院烧伤、伤口中心，温州 325000
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Abdominal wall;
Escherichia coli infection;
Liposuction;
Intestinal rupture;
Abdominal wall infection;
Vacuum sealing drainage
- From:
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery
2025;41(7):744-747
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Liposuction abdominoplasty is a prevalent procedure in plastic surgery, with common complications including infection and bleeding. However, cases leading to intestinal rupture accompanied by extensive abdominal wall infection are extremely infrequent. One such case was reported in this article. The patient was a 37-year-old female who developed symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever after undergoing liposuction abdominoplasty at another hospital. She was admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University on October 27, 2023. CT scan revealed a right lower abdominal wall hernia, intestinal obstruction, and abdominal wall infection. Intra-operative exploration demonstrated that a portion of the ileum had herniated subcutaneously, with multiple small perforations. There was also widespread soft-tissue infection in the subcutaneous area, along with partial skin necrosis. Emergency surgery was performed to repair the ruptured intestine. Biological dressing were used to cover and protect the exposed intestinal wall and the defective abdominal wall. Multiple debridement procedures and vacuum sealing drainage were performed for the extensive subcutaneous soft-tissue infection. Bacterial culture of the drainage fluid indicated Escherichia coli infection, and imipenem-cilastatin was administered for anti-infective treatment. After the infection was controlled, the wound was repaired with local flaps and fascia lata. During the six-month follow-up after discharge, the patient’s general condition remained satisfactory, with normal dietary intake and a well-healed wound. This case report particularly highlights that for patients with a prior history of abdominal surgery should undergo preoperative abdominal CT and other relevant examinations before liposuction to exclude potential risk factors such as incisional hernias and ensure patient safety.
