A fatal case of post-operative pulmonary thromboembolism with cosmetic liposuction.

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) has been regarded as rare in Japan. However, PTE has been increasingly recognised because either of increased incidence, diagnostic progress, or social recognition. Recently, 10 Japanese Medical Associations have submitted preventive guidelines for PTE in post-operative patients and the government decided to fund this, as results of the increase in cases and concern regarding medical negligence. A fatal case of PTE after liposuction is reported. A female patient was in the home toilet after two days of immobilization following day-surgery liposuction. Clinicians must be aware of appropriate methods for the prevention of post operative PTE with cosmetic surgery.