Venous gas embolism: An unusual complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Venous gas embolism (VGE) is a rare but potentially lethal complication of many forms of surgery, especially posterior fossa neurosurgery where the incidence is reported to be up to 80% - it can also occur in laparoscopic surgery. It usually occurs early in the procedure during insufflati...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2009-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Minimal Access Surgery |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.journalofmas.com/article.asp?issn=0972-9941;year=2009;volume=5;issue=2;spage=35;epage=36;aulast=Wenham |
| Summary: | Venous gas embolism (VGE) is a rare but potentially lethal complication of many forms of surgery, especially posterior fossa neurosurgery where the incidence is reported to be up to 80% - it can also occur in laparoscopic surgery. It usually occurs early in the procedure during insufflation of the abdomen. Rapid entry or large volumes of gas entering the venous circulation initiate a predictable chain of pathophysiological events which may continue to cardiovascular collapse. Arterial hypoxaemia, hypercapnia, decreased end-tidal CO<sub> 2</sub> , arrhythmias, myocardial ischaemia and elevated central venous and pulmonary arterial pressures can occur. The management of VGE relies on a high index of suspicion and close liaison between anaesthetist, surgeon and theatre staff. The authors present a case of venous gas embolism (VGE) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) which presented without many of the usual clinical features and was diagnosed by auscultation of a millwheel murmur. |
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| ISSN: | 0972-9941 1998-3921 |