title: Successful management of a large air embolus during an extended right hepatectomy with an emergency cardiopulmonary bypass.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  An air embolus is a recognized but rare complication of a partial hepatectomy. The aim of this report was to describe the diagnosis and management of a large paradoxical air embolus during hepatic resection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case report.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A single patient report of a massive paradoxical air embolus during an extended right hepatectomy is described. The diagnosis was confirmed by trans-oesophageal echo (video provided). After failed conservative management an emergency cardiopulmonary bypass was instituted with a successful outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgeons and anaesthetists involved in hepatic surgery should be aware of signs, investigations and management of this life-threatening intra-operative complication.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Foo
authors.forename: Duncan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Harsh
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Paul G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Bridgman
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCall
authors.forename: Saxon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Connor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D016896:Treatment Outcome