A pilot study examining the frequency and quantity of gas embolization during operative hysteroscopy using a monopolar resectoscope.
OBJECTIVE
To assess baseline frequency of gas embolization during standard monopolar resectoscopic surgery.


METHODS
Prospective, nonrandomized, observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).


METHODS
Tertiary care medical center.


METHODS
Eleven women and three controls.


METHODS
Operative hysteroscopy.


RESULTS
Echocardiography and serum studies were performed to detect bubble formation in the inferior vena cava, hepatic veins, and right heart. Gas bubbles were present in the hepatic veins or right heart in 10 patients and no controls. No patients had changes in coagulation profile and only one had clinical changes during surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Gas bubbles can been detected by echocardiography in most patients undergoing resectoscopic surgery in the uterus. Clinical significance may relate to anatomic variations as well as to gas bubble content and volume.
Bloomstone
Joshua
J
Department of Anesthesia, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Chow
Chi-Min
CM
Isselbacher
Eric
E
VanCott
Elizabeth
E
Isaacson
Keith B
KB
D000328:Adult; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008863:Microspheres; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D001620:beta-Thromboglobulin / Q000032:analysis
D001620:beta-Thromboglobulin