Acute Pulmonary Embolism Following Laparoscopic Ovariectomy: A Case Report

• Main Authors: Chih-Sheng Chu, Kun-Tai Lee, Kai-Hung Cheng, Pao-Hwuei Hwang, Wen-Chol Voon, Sheng-Hsiung Sheu, Wen-Ter Lai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2006-09-01
• Series: Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
• Subjects: complication; laparoscopic surgery; pulmonary embolism
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1607551X09703377

Laparoscopic surgery is usually considered to be less invasive when compared to traditional laparotomy, and is regarded as a relatively low-risk procedure for postoperative complications because of the reduced surgical stress and earlier mobilization. However, we describe a 47-year-old woman who presented with acute respiratory distress, drowsy consciousness, and circulatory collapse shortly after gynecologic laparoscopic ovariectomy for removing an ovarian teratoma at a local hospital. After resuscitation, the patient was transferred to our emergency department. Immediate bedside electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examination results led to acute pulmonary embolism being quickly diagnosed. The patient received subsequent intensive care with smooth course. Although pulmonary embolism is rare after laparoscopic surgery, early detection and quick treatment are important in the management of this life-threatening complication and offer good prognosis. The risk of pulmonary embolism after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery remains unclear. Therefore, the decision to provide prophylaxis is up to the individual physician, and should take into consideration the patient's individual risk factors and comorbidities.