Massive postoperative pulmonary embolism in a young woman using oral contraceptives : The value of a preoperative anesthetic consult

We describe the case of a woman with a history of active tabagism and on the oral contraceptive Yasmin, presenting in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) with a cardiac arrest due to massive pulmonary embolism following transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery. The patient had preoperatively several risk factors for deep venous thrombosis. This case-report emphasizes the value of a preoperative anesthetic visit and eventual temporary cessation of certain oral contraceptives in specific cases.