Diagnosing Intraoperative Pneumothorax in Patients Undergoing Autologous Breast Reconstruction : A Useful Clinical Sign

Abstract EN

Intraoperative pneumothorax during breast reconstruction can be difficult to diagnose.

Even a small pneumothorax can become a tension pneumothorax under positive pressure ventilation.

The clinical finding of venous congestion in a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap, which could not be explained by problems with the vessels, preceded other signs of a tension pneumothorax in the case presented here.

Given the difficulties of access to the chest by the anaesthetic team during breast procedures, this has the potential to be a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of this potentially serious intraoperative complication.