Gas embolism during VersaPoint hysteroscopic myomectomy

Abstract

To describe a case of gas embolism in association with VersaPoint hysteroscopic myomectomy. A 40‐year‐old woman with menorrhagia secondary to uterine fibroids. Hysteroscopic VersaPoint spring endometrial ablation and submucous myomectomy under general anaesthetic with saline as the distension medium. Intraoperatively an acute and profound drop in the patient's end‐tidal carbon dioxide and oxygen saturation suggested gas embolism and the procedure was abandoned. The origin of the gas responsible for the embolism is uncertain. The VersaPoint spring for endometrial ablation and submucous myomectomy requires further evaluation. Factors which may have contributed to the gas embolism are discussed.