Vascular air embolism (VAE), the entry of gas into the vascular structures, is a mainly iatrogenic clinical problem that can result in serious mor- bidity and even in death. Although this complication has been documented in various urologic procedures,1-5 its occurrence after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been reported in few cases.6,7 To the best of our knowledge only 1 fatal case of VAE complicating PCNL has been described to date. The cause of death was established only on the basis of the macroscopic finding of the right femoral venous system being filled with air and very abundant segmented air in the meningeal ve- nous structure.8 We present a fatal case of VAE compli- cating PCNL, in which the cause of death was established on the basis of microscopic findings after autopsical examination.
Vascular air embolism complicating percutaneous nephrolithotomy: medical malpractice or fatal unforeseeable complication?
TURILLAZZI, EMANUELA
2009-01-01
Abstract
Vascular air embolism (VAE), the entry of gas into the vascular structures, is a mainly iatrogenic clinical problem that can result in serious mor- bidity and even in death. Although this complication has been documented in various urologic procedures,1-5 its occurrence after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been reported in few cases.6,7 To the best of our knowledge only 1 fatal case of VAE complicating PCNL has been described to date. The cause of death was established only on the basis of the macroscopic finding of the right femoral venous system being filled with air and very abundant segmented air in the meningeal ve- nous structure.8 We present a fatal case of VAE compli- cating PCNL, in which the cause of death was established on the basis of microscopic findings after autopsical examination.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
