Asploro Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Case Reports

Asploro Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Case Reports

Dongjiao Wu^1*
1Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China

Corresponding Author: Dongjiao Wu
Address: Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University No. 37 Guoxuexiang Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
Received date: 14 July 2023; Accepted date: 29 July 2023; Published date: 05 August 2023

Citation: Wu D. Carbon Dioxide Embolism During Laparoscopic Right Hepatectomy: A Case Report. Asp Biomed Clin Case Rep. 2023 Aug 05;6(3):195-200.

Copyright © 2023 Wu D. This is an open-access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium provided the original work is properly cited.

Keywords: Carbon Dioxide, Embolism, Laparoscopy, Hepatectomy, Case Report

Abstract

Complications of laparoscopic surgery include carbon dioxide (CO₂) embolism, primarily caused by the entry of CO₂ gas into blood vessels or solid organs. If significant clinical symptoms occur, timely intervention is crucial as it can be life-threatening. We report a case of CO₂ embolism during laparoscopic right hepatectomy. The patient was a 37-year-old male with no history of liver or kidney dysfunction. During the procedure, there were two episodes of oxygen desaturation (SpO₂), and the second episode was accompanied by a significant drop in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. However, there was no sudden decrease in the end-tidal CO₂ partial pressure (ETCO₂). Simultaneously, a grinding murmur was auscultated in the precordial area, and foamy blood was aspirated from the right internal jugular vein catheter. This article describes a case of CO₂ embolism during laparoscopic surgery and provides a summary of its causes, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. It is hoped that this article will contribute to the timely recognition and management of such cases, thereby preventing any potential adverse outcomes for patients.