Massive pulmonary embolism presented as sudden cardiac arrest in the immediate postoperative period after laparoscopic hysterectomy

J Clin Anesth. 2003 Nov;15(7):545-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2003.02.007.

Abstract

A rare case of postoperative cardiac arrest in an otherwise healthy, 49-year-old female patient who had a laparoscopic hysterectomy, is presented. The cause of cardiac arrest was due to massive pulmonary embolism, which was detected by transesophageal echocardiography. Laparoscopic surgery is regarded as a less invasive procedure and provides a lower risk for postoperative complications. However, our is a case reminer that pneumoperitoneum may interfere with venous flow of lower extremities and predispose one to deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Coma / etiology
  • Coma / therapy
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Endometriosis / surgery
  • Female
  • Heart Arrest / etiology*
  • Heparin / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy, Vaginal / adverse effects*
  • Laparoscopy / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology*
  • Seizures / drug therapy
  • Seizures / etiology

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Heparin