Aortic perforation sustained at laparoscopy.

PIP: A major type of complication associated with laparoscopic sterilization has been overcome by changing from electrocautery to either the Hulka clip or silicone rubber band technique, but major puncture and laceration injuries continue at the rate of 0.5% to 2%. The only case of major vascular injury incurred in over 4000 laparoscopic sterilization procedures performed from 1974 through 1980 at the Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas is reported. A 40-year-old white female, para 3-0-1-3, was admitted for a laparoscopic sterilization procedure. The physical examination was within normal limits. The procedure was carried out by insufflating the peritoneal cavity with 2 liters of CO2 through a 12-cm Verres needle placed subumbilically while testing the abdomen with towel clips. Insufflating pressure never rose above 15 mm of mercury, and an adequate pneumoperitoneum was obtained. With the patient in the Trendelenburg position the trocar was inserted and the laparoscope placed with no apparent difficulty. The Falope Ring applicator sleeve was inserted suprapublically under direct vision. After placing the rings bilaterally, the cul-de-sac was noted to contain approximately 300 cc of blood. This was aspirated, but blood slowly reaccumulated in the cul-de-sac. Laparoscopic examination provided inadequate visualization of the posterior surface of the mesosalpinges, and it was decided to perform laparotomy. Upon opening the abdomen, the pulse rose from 85 to 110 per minute and the blood pressure fell from 90/60 to 50/0 mm HG. Rapid infusion of isotonic crystalloid and 3 units of packed red blood cells restored the patient's vital signs to normal. Examination of the abdominal wall and pelvic organs was normal, but a retroperitoneal hematoma was discovered in the area of the sacral promontroy. The posterior peritoneum was opened, and a 13 x 15-cm hematoma was evacuated. A 3-mm puncture wound was noted in the anterior wall of the aorta 3 cm cephalad to the bifurcation. The square defect was isolated with vascular clamps and repaired with a single layer of simple interrupted Prolene sutures. Abdominal exploration revealed a 3-mm defect in the small bowel mesentery that was repaired with interrupted chromic sutures, and the abdomen was closed. This report illustrates the perpetual caution that must be exercised in the performance of a routine gynecologic procedure. The blind puncture of the abdominal wall with the Verres needle and the laparoscope trocar must be performed with great care.^ieng