Efficacy of lipectomy and liposuction in the treatment of multiple symmetric lipomatosis.

Background: Multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL) is a rare disease characterized by enlarging, symmetric, nonencapsulated, fat deposits mainly on the neck and upper trunk. Liposuction and lipectomy, although palliative, are the treatments of choice, especially indicated when vital structures are compromised.

Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of liposuction and lipectomy in the treatment of MSL.

Methods: We have examined two patients diagnosed with MSL who presented with symptoms derived from the compression of vascular, nervous, and/or respiratory tract structures. One was treated with lipectomy and the other with liposuction.

Results: A rapid resolution of the clinical symptoms was achieved with both therapies. The patient who was treated with lipectomy suffered from a compression of the left brachial plexus by scar tissue as an adverse effect, requiring a second surgical procedure. Liposuction only provoked a mild autoinvolutive hematoma in the other case. No clinical recurrences were observed at 3 and 2 years of follow-up respectively.

Conclusions: We consider both lipectomy and liposuction as safe and effective techniques for the treatment of MSL patients. Although liposuction is usually associated with less adverse effects than lipectomy, location of the lipomas must be carefully considered before choosing one technique over another.