Liposuction Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Liposuction, including details on surgery, procedure, cellulite, alternatives.

Management of large volume CT contrast medium extravasation injury: technical refinement and literature review.

Schaverien MV, Evison D, McCulley SJ

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgery, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK.

The incidence of radiographic contrast medium extravasation is on the rise due to the rapid increase in availability of contrast enhanced imaging. There is no consensus, however, regarding its management. There is a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, ranging from localised erythema and oedema to skin necrosis, which is related to the osmolarity and volume of the extravasated contrast medium. It is not possible to predict the degree of final tissue injury at initial examination. The increase in use of automated bolus injection has led to an increase in incidence of large volume extravasation injuries. Here we present a review of the literature regarding clinical presentation, risk factors, and management of contrast extravasation injuries. We also report the management of a large volume computed tomography contrast extravasation injury following mechanical bolus injection using a combination of liposuction and saline washout as described by Gault, and the use of compression by a Rhys-Davies exsanguinator as a technical refinement to achieve immediate resolution of the soft tissue oedema.

Published 26 April 2007 in J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Liposuction Research Today. All Rights Reserved.