A Case of Air Embolism during Diagnostic Hysteroscopy.
- Author:
Soon Chul KWON
1
;
In Gu KANG
;
Tae Woo KIM
;
Seung Chul KANG
;
Seok WON
;
Jeung Keun PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kwang Hye General Hospital, Pusan, Korea .
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Hysteroscopy;
Air embolism
- MeSH:
Anesthesia, General;
Early Diagnosis;
Embolism, Air*;
Female;
Humans;
Hysteroscopy*;
Uterine Hemorrhage
- From:Korean Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
2001;44(10):1922-1926
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Complications from hysteroscopy are relatively rare events. They occur more frequently with operative hysteroscopy than with diagnostic hysteroscopy. Air embolism is a rare but devastating complication of hysteroscopy that rightly receives attention as a frightening, sudden, and potentially fatal hazard in otherwise healthy women. We experienced one case of air embolism during diagnostic hysteroscopy for abnormal uterine bleeding under general anesthesia. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment seem to be the keys to prevention of catastrophic outcomes and the hysteroscopists must understand the pathophysiology of air embolism to prevent, diagnose, and manage this potentially disastrous problem effectively.
