Pulmonary embolism in the operating room. Case report.
OBJECTIVE
Pulmonary embolism is a common postoperative complication. This report aimed at presenting a case of pulmonary embolism in the operating room and at calling the attention to the importance of venous thrombosis prophylaxis in surgical patients.


METHODS
The authors describe a case of a male patient, 55 years of age and 83 kg submitted to radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. At the end of the surgery and already extubated, patient presented hemodynamic instability and a decrease in SpO2 to 80%. Patient was re-intubated and sent to the ICU. CT images suggested pulmonary embolism. Patient died in the 5th postoperative day.


CONCLUSIONS
A high suspicion rate is not enough to establish a diagnosis because pulmonary embolism is a silent disease and its investigation routine is not highly sensitive. Early prophylaxis is the best strategy.
Pimenta
Karina Bernardi
KB
Casa de Saúde São José, Rio de Janeiro, RJ.
Nunes
Beatriz do Céu
Bdo C