What complication is associated with exteriorizing the uterus?

Exteriorizing the uterus, a practice often conducted during certain surgical procedures like a cesarean section or abdominal myomectomy, can indeed lead to a specific set of complications. Among these, air embolism is particularly significant because the exposure of the uterine cavity to atmospheric pressure can allow air to enter the vascular system.

This can occur if air is introduced into the open uterine cavity while the uterus is exteriorized, potentially leading to serious cardiovascular complications as air travels through the venous system, and potentially into the heart and lungs. The risk of this complication underscores the importance of careful technique during surgical procedures, especially in maintaining hemostatic control and preventing air entry where possible.

While infection, uterine atony, and hemorrhage are certainly concerns associated with surgical procedures involving the uterus, the direct link of exteriorization to air embolism is more pronounced in scenarios where atmospheric exposure may compromise the integrity of the vascular system. Thus, the association of air embolism with exteriorizing the uterus holds considerable relevance in surgical obstetrics.