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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
Application of Microwave Ablation in Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy
Published on: November 15, 2024
Argon gas embolism in the application of laparoscopic microwave coagulation therapy
Toru Ikegami1, Mitsuo Shimada, Satoru Imura
1Department of Surgery, The University of Tokushima, 3-18-15, Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan. tikesurg@yahoo.co.jp
Background:
A major concern in the use of the argon beam coagulator system is the potential risk of argon gas embolism.
Methods:
Seven cases with argon gas embolism in the English literature were reviewed along with the current case. The latter case was a 77-year-old female having laparoscopic hepatectomy after application of the microwave coagulation system on the cutting planes.
Results:
Immediately following shots of an argon beam to control local bleeding at the needle hole in the liver caused by microwave coagulation, the end-tidal carbon disappeared, followed by cardiovascular collapse. After 18 min of cardiovascular resuscitation, the tumors were resected under laparotomy.
Conclusions:
After reviewing the cases, pneumoperitoneum (57.1%), hepatic needle punctures (42.8%) and direct application of the argon beam to the liver (28.6%) can be considered as risky processes in such events. Caution is necessary in the use of an argon beam in liver surgery to avoid life-threatening gas embolism.
