Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common clinical pathological complication that is life threatening in patients undergoing surgery. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are interrelated; about 50 % patients with DVT develop PE that is asymptomatic in most cases. It is the third leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and is preceded by ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. The incidence of PE in oral and maxillofacial surgery has been barely reported. Objective: This article presents a literature review on maxillofacial surgery and the risk to develop and reports a case of a serious complication after bimaxilar surgery. Results: Over 90 % PE cases originate in the deep venous system of the legs. The risk is exceptionally low in orthognathic surgery; it is estimated that ranges from 0.15 % to 1.6 % when compared to abdominal and pelvic surgery, which are more frequently reported.