Korean J Anesthesiol.  2007 Sep;53(3):399-402. 10.4097/kjae.2007.53.3.399.

Bilateral Pneumothorax Induced by Tracheal Injury during Total Thyroidectomy with Modified Radical Neck Dissection: A case report

• Choi WJ
• Park YS
• Jeong SM
• Ku SW
• Park PH

• KMID: 2039636
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2007.53.3.399

Abstract

We experienced one case of bilateral pneumothorax developed after total thyroidectomy with modified radical neck dissection in a 44-year-old male patient with thyroid carcinoma. After the conclusion of the operation, the patient was extubated after confirming recovery of consciousness and spontaneous respiration. Soon after the extubation, sudden-onset dyspnea with desaturation was developed. Rapid re-intubation was performed. Bilateral pneumothorax with severe subcutaneous emphysema was recognized on chest radiograph and successfully treated by chest tube insertion. Secondary operation was performed and tracheal injury was proved to be the source of the pneumothorax. The patient was discharged uneventfully 14 days later.

Keyword

bilateral pneumothorax; total thyroidectomy with modified radical neck dissection; tracheal injury

MeSH Terms

Adult
Chest Tubes
Consciousness
Dyspnea
Humans
Male
Neck Dissection*
Pneumothorax*
Radiography, Thoracic
Respiration
Subcutaneous Emphysema
Thyroid Neoplasms
Thyroidectomy*