Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2001 Oct;44(10):1922-1926.

A Case of Air Embolism during Diagnostic Hysteroscopy

• Kwon SC
• Kang IG
• Kim TW
• Kang SC
• Won S
• Park JK

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.

Keyword

Hysteroscopy; Air embolism

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, General
Early Diagnosis
Embolism, Air*
Female
Humans
Hysteroscopy*
Uterine Hemorrhage