[Pulmonary embolism in head and neck surgery].
OBJECTIVE
To improve the early diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis was done of 5 cases of postoperative pulmonary embolism in the department of head and neck surgery from 1993 to 1999.


RESULTS
5 patients: male 4, female 1; age ranged from 42 to 64 years. The unexplained dyspnea, chest pain, and sudden death were the most frequent symptoms. 4 patients were death suddenly because of the incorrect diagnosis and treatment. Only one patient was alive for the correct diagnosis and thrombolytic treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Postoperative pulmonary embolism is a major cause of mortality patients undergoing head and neck surgical procedure. Mortality of pulmonary embolism could be reduced by early and correct diagnosis and treatment.
Liu
Shaoyan
S
Department of Head Neck Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical University, Beijing 100021, China.
Tang
Pingzhang
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies