Gas Embolism During Hysteroscopic Surgery?: Three Cases and a Literature Review. Issue 5 (1st September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Storm, Benjamin S.; Andreasen, Stine; Hovland, Anders; Nielsen, Erik W.
• Is Part Of: A & A case reports. Volume 9:Issue 5(2017:Sep. 01)
• Publication Date: 2017-09-01
• Subjects: Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; Anesthesia -- Periodicals; Anesthesiology; Analgesia; Anesthesiology; Periodicals; 617.9605
• DOI: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000000549
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2325-7237

Abstract

Abstract : During a period of 1 month, 3 episodes of probable or actual venous air embolism occurred during hysteroscopic surgery. All patients developed the same symptoms of ventilatory and hemodynamic decompensation, beginning with a reduction in end-tidal carbon dioxide, arterial desaturation, and cyanosis on the upper trunk, and rapidly progressed to hypotension and 2 cardiac arrests. While entrainment of some air is common during hysteroscopy, life-threatening embolism is a rare but serious complication for which an anesthetist needs to be vigilant and prepared. If even a small drop in end-tidal carbon dioxide occurs, venous air embolism should be suspected and the operation should be discontinued. Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.