Subcapsular Hematoma After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Associated With Ketorolac Administration

Ketorolac is the first injectable nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug used as an analgesic in the perioperative period. Its adverse effect profile is different from that of the opioid analgesics; in particular, in its lack of respiratory depressive actions. However, ketorolac has risks associated with its perioperative administration, including episodes of substantial gastrointestinal bleeding. A patient undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy developed a subcapsular hepatic hematoma shortly after receiving a dose of injectable ketorolac. No evidence of parenchymal injury was found on laparoscopy which argues against iatrogenic trauma. Clinicians should be aware that ketorolac may cause or aggravate bleeding, and it should be used with caution in perioperative patients. 1994 Pharmacotherapy Publications Inc.