[Postoperative otorrhagia: an unknown complication of Trendelenburg position during laparoscopic surgery?]

Abstract

Two patients have presented postoperative otorrhagia following gynaecologic laparoscopic procedures. This occurred after uneventful anaesthesia and recovery for surgery performed in forced Trendelenburg position (35 degrees with horizontal position). Different responsible mechanisms are discussed including haemodynamic changes induced by both the Trendelenburg position and the pneumoperitoneum. Particularities of external ear blood supply directly submitted to arterial and venous pressure changes, may also have contributed to the appearance of otorrhagia.