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[Perioperative pulmonary thromboembolism. A clinical study]
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Tsukuba, School of Medicine.
Masui. the Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Postoperative pulmonary embolism (PE) can cause severe hypoxemia. However, one patient under anesthesia experienced PE without hypoxemia, suggesting different physiological responses during anesthesia versus recovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Anesthesiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a critical complication following surgery.
- PE can lead to severe hypoxemia, impacting patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological responses to PE in postoperative patients.
- To compare PE complications under general anesthesia versus the postoperative period.
Main Methods:
- Case series of seven patients experiencing PE (six postoperative, one intraoperative).
- Monitoring of arterial oxygenation (PaO2) and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP).
- Administration of heparin and urokinase for treatment.
Main Results:
- Six postoperative patients developed severe hypoxemia (PaO2 41 +/- 14 mmHg).
- One patient experiencing PE during anesthesia did not develop hypoxemia or hypotension.
- Pulmonary arterial pressure increased during embolic events, followed by a decrease preceding oxygenation improvement.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative PE is associated with significant hypoxemia, the mechanisms of which require further study.
- General anesthesia may mitigate hypoxemia during PE, suggesting protective physiological mechanisms.