Review of vasopressin use in gynecologic surgery

• Published in: Journal of minimally invasive gynecology Vol. 19; no. 4; p. 422
• Main Authors: Chudnoff, Scott, Glazer, Sivan, Levie, Mark
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2012
• Subjects: Cardiovascular Diseases - chemically induced; Female; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Hemostasis, Surgical; Humans; Surgical Wound Infection - chemically induced; Vasoconstrictor Agents - adverse effects; Vasoconstrictor Agents - therapeutic use; Vasopressins - adverse effects; Vasopressins - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 1553-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2012.03.022

Vasopressin has been used in gynecologic surgery since the 1950s. Since its initial introduction, multiple applications of vasopressin have been explored. The expansion of vasopressin usage in gynecologic surgery is being fueled in part by the increase in minimally invasive surgical techniques, in which alternative methods of temporary hemostasis are in high demand. Nevertheless, much criticism has been directed toward use of vasopressin because of reports of serious complications including cardiac arrest. These concerns have caused several countries to restrict or prohibit the use of this valuable drug. This review explores the mechanisms of vasopressin, the current literature on vasopressin use in gynecologic surgery, and evaluates the reported complications associated with vasopressin use.