A portent of catastrophic carbon dioxide embolism in laparoscopic hepatectomy: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) poses a high risk of carbon dioxide embolism due to extensive hepatic transection, long surgery duration, and dissection of the large hepatic veins or vena cava. Patient concerns: A 65-year-old man was scheduled to undergo LH. Following intraperitoneal carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation and hepatic portal occlusion, the patient developed severe hemodynamic collapse accompanied by a decrease in the pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2). Diagnosis: Although a decrease in end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) was not observed, CO2 embolism was still suspected because of the symptoms. Interventions and Outcomes: The patient was successfully resuscitated after the immediate discontinuation of CO2 insufflation and inotrope administration. CO2 embolism must always be suspected during laparoscopic surgery whenever sudden hemodynamic collapse associated with decreased pulse oxygen saturation occurs, regardless of whether ETCO2 changes. Instant arterial blood gas analysis is imperative, and a significant difference between PaCO2 and ETCO2 is indicative of carbon dioxide embolism. Conclusion: Instant arterial blood gas analysis is imperative, and a significant difference between PaCO2 and ETCO2 is indicative of carbon dioxide embolism.