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Pulmonary embolism following laparoscopic surgery: a report of two cases
Norifumi Tsutsumi1, Morimasa Tomikawa, Kozo Konishi
1Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan. tnori@surg2.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
Laparoscopic abdominal surgery is considered a low-risk procedure for postoperative complications because of reduced surgical stress and earlier mobilization. We report two patients who experienced pulmonary embolism following laparoscopic surgery; one patient underwent umbilical hernia repair and the other cholecystectomy. Although pulmonary embolism is indeed rare after laparoscopic surgery, early detection and early treatment are determinative factors for a good prognosis. Therefore, medical caregivers must remember that pulmonary embolism can be a critical complication after laparoscopic surgery and preventive measures should be employed for high-risk subjects.