Daijiworld Media Network- Vienna

Vienna, Feb 21: Patients with anemia undergoing high-volume liposuction for lipoedema face a significantly higher risk of postoperative complications, a recent study by Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences (KL Krems) has revealed. The findings underscore the crucial role of preoperative blood parameters in ensuring patient safety, rather than the actual volume of fat removed.

Lipoedema, a chronic disorder affecting subcutaneous fatty tissue, is a condition that primarily impacts women, leading to painful swelling and restricted mobility. High-volume liposuction is often performed to provide relief, but the procedure carries risks, particularly postoperative anemia—a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin caused by blood loss. To improve surgical safety, researchers at KL Krems conducted a comprehensive analysis of more than 121 lipoedema cases, evaluating the link between preoperative anemia and postoperative complications.

The study divided patients into two groups: those who underwent liposuction of less than 5 liters and those with more than 5 liters removed. The analysis found that the volume of fat removed had no direct impact on complication rates. However, preoperative hemoglobin levels were strongly correlated with postoperative complications, highlighting the importance of blood health before surgery.

Lead researcher Prof Dr Klaus F Schrögendorfer, head of the clinical division of plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery, emphasized the importance of preoperative care:

"Careful patient selection and preoperative optimization of hemoglobin levels are essential to reducing surgical risks. Addressing anemia before performing high-volume liposuction significantly improves patient safety."

The study reinforces the importance of patient-centered surgical strategies. Earlier this year, researchers at KL Krems also discovered that optimizing vitamin D levels before surgery could lead to better recovery outcomes, as liposuction is known to deplete vitamin D levels in patients.

With these latest findings, KL Krems continues to lead research in enhancing surgical safety and efficacy for lipoedema patients. The study’s results could help establish new global standards in preoperative care, ultimately improving the quality of life for those undergoing lipoedema treatments.