title: Acute pulmonary embolism following laparoscopic ovariectomy: a case report.
abstract: Laparoscopic surgery is usually considered to be less invasive when compared to traditional laparotomy, and is regarded as a relatively low-risk procedure for postoperative complications because of the reduced surgical stress and earlier mobilization. However, we describe a 47-year-old woman who presented with acute respiratory distress, drowsy consciousness, and circulatory collapse shortly after gynecologic laparoscopic ovariectomy for removing an ovarian teratoma at a local hospital. After resuscitation, the patient was transferred to our emergency department. Immediate bedside electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examination results led to acute pulmonary embolism being quickly diagnosed. The patient received subsequent intensive care with smooth course. Although pulmonary embolism is rare after laparoscopic surgery, early detection and quick treatment are important in the management of this life-threatening complication and offer good prognosis. The risk of pulmonary embolism after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery remains unclear. Therefore, the decision to provide prophylaxis is up to the individual physician, and should take into consideration the patient's individual risk factors and comorbidities.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chih-Sheng
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Kun-Tai
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Kai-Hung
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Pao-Hwuei
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Wen-Chol
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Voon
authors.forename: Sheng-Hsiung
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Sheu
authors.forename: Wen-Ter
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Lai
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology*; D013724:Teratoma / Q000601:surgery