Management of large volume liposuction in lipedema patients with von Willebrand disease: A systematic review and treatment algorithm

BACKGROUND: When performing large volume liposuction, perioperative management of lipedema patients with coagulation disorders remains challenging due to a lack of clinical experience. With a prevalence of 1% of von Willebrand disease (VWD) in the general population, basic knowledge on diagnostic and adapted surgical strategies are essential for patients' safety. OBJECTIVE: Based on a selective literature review, the purpose of this article is to present a standardized algorithm for diagnosis and perioperative treatment of VWD patients undergoing large volume liposuction. METHODS: The databases MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Web of Science were selectively searched with the term "(((liposuction) OR (surgery)) OR (lipectomy)) AND (((VWD) OR (hemostaseology)) OR (von Willebrand disease))". Included were articles published in English or German until November 2020. RESULTS: The evidence for large volume liposuctions in patients with VWD is limited. Experience is largely based on operations with similar bleeding risks. A safe performance requires an adjustment of the surgical technique and a customized perioperative drug substitution plan. According to the current literature, perioperative thromboembolic events appear to be rare with adequate drug treatment. CONCLUSION: The implementation of the developed diagnostic and treatment algorithm may help further reducing bleeding complications and improve the safety for treated patients.