Cardiovascular collapse in laparoscopy.

Abstract

This report describes two cases of severe cardiovascular collapse occurring during laparoscopy using carbon dioxide insufflation under general anesthesia. Both patients made eventual complete recovery. The possible causes, gas embolism being the most likely, are discussed. A list of precautions for the safe conduct of laparoscopy is presented. Since these precautions have been followed there has been no recurrence of cardiovascular collapse in over 300 subsequent cases.