A case of acute pulmonary embolism complicating lung lobectomy

Abstract

A 73-year-old woman complained of chest pain and a solid lesion was found in the right lower lung field on chest computed tomography (CT). She was admitted and right lower lobectomy was performed. After the operation, she could not walk because of chest pain and nausea. Four days after surgery, she fell into dyspnea and then shock just after returning from the restroom. After cardiopulmonary resuscitation, angiography was performed revealing pulmonary thromboembolism. Anticoagulation therapy was started immediately and she was successfully recovered. She was able to leave our hospital on postoperative day 18. Recently prophylaxis of thromboembolism has been considered important and we must make a guideline for prophylactic strategies regarding acute pulmonary thromboembolism.