Thermal and vibratory thresholds after liposuction in patients with Dercum's disease

Abstract

Dercum's disease is characterised by pronounced pain in the adipose tissue and a number of associated symptoms and is, in most patients, accompanied by obesity. Postoperative sensory change after liposuction is a well-known side effect, and probably caused by mechanical trauma to the nerves. The aim of this investigation was to find out whether the thermal and sensory sensation changed after liposuction in patients with Dercum's disease. The thermal and vibratory thresholds were examined preoperatively, and three and 12 months after, liposuction in 39 affected patients. There were only small differences in thermal and vibratory thresholds three and 12 months after liposuction compared with preoperatively, and none of these was statistically significant.

Key Words::

• Dercum's disease
• liposuction
• sensibility
• adipositas dolorosa

Acknowledgements

We thank Birger Fagher, MD, PhD, associate professor in internal medicine at Lund University, for allowing us to study patients under his care. The work was supported by grants from The Swedish Rheumatism Association, the insurance company Förenade Liv, Clinical Research and Development at Malmö University Hospital, Helge Wulff 's Trust, and the Faculty of Medicine at Lund University.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.