Carbon dioxide gas embolism during robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

One of the complications of laparoscopic surgery is gas embolism, which has low incidence but high mortality. Carbon dioxide embolism diagnosed during robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has been experienced.

77-year-old woman with a left renal tumor received robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. End-tidal carbon dioxide pressure and oxygen saturation of peripheral artery suddenly decreased 5 min after the start of tumor resection with pneumoperitoneum pressure of 15 mmHg and positive end-expiratory pressure turned off. Therefore, pulmonary artery gas embolism was diagnosed. The pneumoperitoneum pressure was dropped, and positive end-expiratory pressure was restarted. These conditions improved and the procedure was completed.

Carbon dioxide gas embolism during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy should be focused on because prompt diagnosis and treatment will improve life outcomes. The optimal pneumoperitoneum pressure for each case, rather than making it uniform, should be reconsidered.