Cerebral infarction detected after laparoscopic partial hepatectomy: case report

Background Bleeding and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) gas embolism have been reported as serious complications associated with laparoscopic surgery. We present a case of cerebral infarction presumably caused by CO 2 gas embolism during laparoscopic hepatectomy. Case presentation During liver resection, the end-tidal CO 2 suddenly dropped from 40 to 21 mmHg. Simultaneously, ST elevation in lead II and ST depression in lead V5 of the electrocardiogram were observed. After improvement of these electrocardiographic changes, surgery was continued. Postoperatively, incomplete paralysis was present in the right arm and leg. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cerebral infarction in the broad area of the left cerebral cortex. These complications might have been caused by paradoxical embolism. Conclusion We should always keep in mind the risk of cerebral infarction with neurological deficits in the case of laparoscopic surgery. Careful monitoring and appropriate treatment for gas embolism are necessary during laparoscopic surgery.