Related Experiment Videos
[Heart arrest caused by CO2 embolism during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy]
O R Benítez Pacheco1, E Serra, L Jara
1Servicio de Anestesiología, Sanatorio Centro Médico, Unidad Académica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Argentina. orbenitez@arnet.com.ar
Revista Espanola De Anestesiologia Y Reanimacion
|August 28, 2003
Abstract:
A 41-year-old woman developed a gas embolism while inserting a Veress needle to achieve pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The embolism led to asystole, which was corrected after advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers, and was followed by sequelae and a prolonged hospital stay. The anesthesiologist should be vigilant during laparoscopic surgery and be ready and able to act in case of major complications.