Embolia gaseosa durante cirugía laparoscópica en lactante con síndrome de Cornelia de Lange

Abstract

Cornelia de Lange syndrome involves multiple malformations with particular phenotypic features (craniofacial abnormalities such as microcephaly or hypertrichosis with synophrys; cutaneous abnormalities such as hirsutism, and limb anomalies) and it is associated with a high percentage of mental retardation and complications such as digestive tract abnormalities, cardiac defects, and endocrine disorders. We report the case of a 2-month-old infant girl who underwent a laparoscopic antireflux procedure, with closure of a diaphragmatic hernia and a gastric stoma. The medical history included repeated episodes of aspiration pneumonia and hypertension. Early in the procedure, 2 episodes of sudden desaturation, hypotension, and bradycardia with a probable diagnosis of air embolism. The complications resolved with specific treatment. Anesthetic management for laparoscopic surgery in these patients is truly complex and must be informed by a thorough understanding of the disease and complications that may develop.