Intra-abdominal fluid after hip arthroscopy : A case report


Published online: Dec 27 2012

Joris JAEKERS, Jan VAN MELKEBEEK, Marc VAN CLEEMPUT, Roger VAN RIET

From the Department of Orthopaedics and Surgery, AZ Monica and the Monica Orthopaedic Research (MoRe) Foundation, Deurne, Belgium

Abstract

The use of hip arthroscopy for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons has been steadily increasing over the last decade. It is considered a safe procedure, but some complications may be potentially life threatening. We present a case of intra-abdominal accumulation of irrigation fluid during hip arthroscopy in a 26-year-old patient. A literature review revealed only six other cases of fluid extravasation and its potentially dangerous consequences. The use of transparent sterile dressings during surgery might help early recognition of this unusual complication.