GAS EMBOLISM COMPLICATING OBSTETRIC OR GYNECOLOGIC PROCEDURES - CASE-REPORTS AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Gas embolism is a I-are life-threatening complication of obstetric or gynecologic procedures. arising as a result of gas bubbles being intro duced into the circulation via severed blood vessels. Extensive blain damage and acute cardiovascular collapse will lead to a fatal outcome. A favourable outcome depends on early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Hyperbaric oxygenation, which reduces bubble size and increases the s upply of oxygen to hypoxic tissues, is the definitive treatment for ga s embolism. We report four cases of gas embolism complicating obstetri c or gynecologic procedures which were treated at the Israel Naval Med ical Institute followed by an updated review of the literature.