title: A pilot study examining the frequency and quantity of gas embolization during operative hysteroscopy using a monopolar resectoscope.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bloomstone
authors.forename: Chi-Min
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Isselbacher
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: VanCott
authors.forename: Keith B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Isaacson
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D001620:beta-Thromboglobulin