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Iatrogenic right ventricular laceration: delayed presentation after abdominal surgery
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Siena, Italy.
Texas Heart Institute Journal
|November 28, 2000
Summary
A rare case of cardiac tamponade occurred due to a delayed right ventricle laceration after abdominal surgery. This highlights a critical, uncommon complication following gastrectomy and hepatectomy for gastric cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Surgical Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- A 69-year-old male with invasive gastric cancer underwent total gastrectomy and left lobe hepatectomy.
- Two months post-operatively, the patient presented with hemodynamic instability.
Observation:
- The patient exhibited signs of hemorrhagic shock and cardiac tamponade.
- Imaging revealed massive hemopericardium as the cause of tamponade.
Findings:
- A delayed iatrogenic laceration of the right ventricle was identified as the cause.
- This represents the second reported case of cardiac laceration following abdominal surgery in medical literature.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare but potentially fatal delayed complication of abdominal surgery.
- Emphasizes the need for vigilance in diagnosing cardiac tamponade in patients with recent abdominal procedures.
- Suggests considering iatrogenic cardiac injury in the differential diagnosis for unexplained hemopericardium post-abdominal surgery.