Brian C Cooper1, Christine A Murray. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington 05405, USA. brian.cooper@uvm.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hyponatremia is common after major surgery. It is now recognized as a potential complication after minor surgery. Premenopausal women are more likely to suffer permanent brain damage or death from hyponatremic encephalopathy than are men or postmenopausal women. CASE: A 36-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 0, undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy and hysteroscopy for secondary infertility and an abnormal hysterosalpingogram, experienced mental status changes and hyponatremia 10 hours after otherwise-uncomplicated surgery. Early recognition and treatment led to a complete recovery. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic hyponatremia is a potential complication after minor surgery and must be recognized and treated to avoid a catastrophic outcome.
BACKGROUND:Hyponatremia is common after major surgery. It is now recognized as a potential complication after minor surgery. Premenopausal women are more likely to suffer permanent brain damage or death from hyponatremic encephalopathy than are men or postmenopausal women. CASE: A 36-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 0, undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy and hysteroscopy for secondary infertility and an abnormal hysterosalpingogram, experienced mental status changes and hyponatremia 10 hours after otherwise-uncomplicated surgery. Early recognition and treatment led to a complete recovery. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic hyponatremia is a potential complication after minor surgery and must be recognized and treated to avoid a catastrophic outcome.