Delayed tension pneumothorax during surgery.
Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency that rapidly results in cardiopulmonary arrest. It requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. We present 2 cases from our practice, 1 caused by blunt chest trauma and the other resulting from laparoscopic surgery. Both were successfully treated by insertion of a chest tube. The diagnosis and treatment of intraoperative pneumothorax is discussed together with a review of the literature.
Chen
Ying-Lun
YL
Department of Anesthesiology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. alexingchaning@yahoo.com.hk
Chen
Chea-Ying
CY
Cheng
Jen-Kun
JK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015505:Chest Tubes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*