Delayed tension pneumothorax during surgery

End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Monitoring for Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Background

Spontaneous pneumothorax should be classified as primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) or secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) because treatment strategies may differ depending on underlying lung conditions and clinical course. The pulmonary dysfunction can lead to changes in end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂). The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in ETCO₂ between PSP and SSP.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included adult patients diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax in the emergency room from April 2019 to September 2020. We divided patients into PSP and SSP groups and compared ETCO₂ variables between the two groups.

Results

There were 33 (66%) patients in the PSP group and 17 (34%) patients in the SSP group. Initial ETCO₂ was lower in the SSP group than in the PSP group (30 (23–33) vs. 35 (33–38) mmHg, p=0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that respiratory gas associated with SSP was initial ETCO₂ (OR: 0.824; 95% CI: 0.697–0.974, p=0.023). The optimal cutoff for initial ETCO₂ to detection of SSP was 32 mmHg (area under curve, 0.754), with 76.5% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity.

Conclusion

ETCO₂ monitoring is a reliable noninvasive indicator of differentiating between PSP and SSP. Initial ETCO₂ lower than 32 mmHg is a predictor of SSP.

Immediate Pneumothorax Diagnosis by Surgical Residents Using Portable Ultrasound

OBJECTIVE

Feasibility of diagnosis of pneumothorax using handheld ultrasound by non-radiologists shows inconsistent results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of portable ultrasound for immediate diagnosis of pneumothorax by general surgery residents who underwent short training.

METHODS

Patients who presented to the emergency department of a university hospital with suspected pneumothorax between 10/2018 and 12/2019 were included in the study. Patients underwent ultrasound in 2 points of each hemithorax. Sensitivity and specificity for pneumothorax diagnosis by ultrasound and physical examination were calculated and compared with chest computed tomography (CT). Patients in whom a chest tube was placed prior to ultrasound examination and those who did not undergo a CT scan were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

A total of 85 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 40.7 ± 20.2 years. Pneumothorax was found among 46 patients (54%) per chest CT, and of these, 21 (46%) underwent chest tube placement following imaging. Ultrasound showed the highest sensitivity and specificity (95.6% [95% confidence interval {CI} 85.16% to 99.47%] and 97.44% [95% CI 86.40% to 99.67%], respectively). Chest x-ray had the lowest sensitivity (47.8% [95% CI 32.89% to 63.05%]) for pneumothorax detection. Physical examination showed a moderate sensitivity and specificity (82.6% [95% CI 68.58% to 92.18%] and 77.89% [95% CI 60.67% to 88.87%], respectively) for the diagnosis of pneumothorax.

CONCLUSIONS

We found high accuracy rates of 2-point ultrasound in immediate pneumothorax diagnosis when performed by surgical residents who underwent a short ultrasound training. This is a fast and repeatable test, and has the potential for successful implementation in prehospital and military scenarios as well, minimizing unnecessary chest tube placements.

Detection and Management of Intraoperative Pneumothorax during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Intraoperative pneumothorax is a rare but potentially lethal complication during general anesthesia. History of lung disease, barotrauma, and laparoscopic surgery increase the risk of developing intraoperative pneumothorax. The diagnosis during surgery could be difficult because the signs are often nonspecific. We report a case of a middle-aged gentleman who developed right pneumothorax during an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient had no risk factors for adverse events during the preoperative assessment (ASA1). The patient underwent general anesthesia and was put on mechanical ventilation. The first signs of abnormality immediately after surgical port insertion were tachycardia and low oxygen saturation in addition to sings of airway obstruction. The diagnosis of pneumothorax was made clinically by chest auscultation and later confirmed by intraoperative chest radiograph. Supportive treatment was started immediately through halting the surgery and manually ventilating the patient using 100% oxygen. Definitive treatment was then done by inserting an intercostal tube. After stabilizing the patient, the surgery was completed; then, the patient was extubated and shifted to the surgical ward. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan was done and showed only minimal liver laceration. The patient was discharged after removing the intercostal tube and was stable at the follow-up visit. Therefore, it is important to have a high index of suspicion to early detect and treat such complication. In addition, good communication with the surgeon and use of available diagnostic tools will aid in the proper management of such cases.

Intraoperative Tension Pneumothorax in a Patient With Remote Trauma and Previous Tracheostomy

Many trauma patients present with a combination of cranial and thoracic injury. Anesthesia for these patients carries the risk of intraoperative hemodynamic instability and respiratory complications during mechanical ventilation. Massive air leakage through a lacerated lung will result in inadequate ventilation and hypoxemia and, if left undiagnosed, may significantly compromise the hemodynamic function and create a life-threatening situation. Even though these complications are more characteristic for the early phase of trauma management, in some cases, such a scenario may develop even months after the initial trauma. We report a case of a 25-year-old patient with remote thoracic trauma, who developed an intraoperative tension pneumothorax and hemodynamic instability while undergoing an elective cranioplasty. The intraoperative patient assessment was made even more challenging by unexpected massive blood loss from the surgical site. Timely recognition and management of intraoperative pneumothorax along with adequate blood replacement stabilized the patient and helped avoid an unfavorable outcome. This case highlights the risks of intraoperative pneumothorax in trauma patients, which may develop even months after injury. A high index of suspicion and timely decompression can be life saving in this type of situation.

Barotrauma developed during intra-hospital transfer -A case report-

A 74-year-old male patient receiving ventilatory support due to aspiration pneumonia developed bilateral pneumothorax, pneumopericardium, pneumomediastinum, pneumo-retroperitoneum, and subcutaneous emphysema, after manual ventilation while being transferred from the intensive care unit (ICU) to the operating room (OR). These complications were assumed to be secondary to inappropriate manual ventilation of the intubated patient. In addition, it is likely that the possible migration of an already marginally acceptable endotracheal tube (ETT) position during transport was the cause of these complications. Finally, aggravation of a latent pneumothorax might have contributed to these complications.

Bilateral tension pneumothorax and tension pneumoperitoneum secondary to tracheal tear in a patient with relapsing polychondritis

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare disease that is characterized by recurrent inflammation and destruction of cartilage and connective tissues. RP can have significant airway pathology that may require procedures to maintain airway patency and thus may have serious implications for anesthesiologists. Anesthesiologists must be prepared to deal with the possible complications that may occur during airway manipulation in patients with RP. Here, we present a case of life-threatening bilateral tension pneumothorax and tension pneumoperitoneum that developed after a tracheal tear during Montgomery T-tube insertion in a patient with tracheal stenosis due to RP. Correct diagnosis was delayed due to a misdiagnosis of airway obstruction. As a result, we emphasize that bilateral tension pneumothorax should be considered during refractory cardiac arrest in patients with increased airway pressure. A high index of suspicion and adequate management are mandatory for patients to survive these life-threatening complications.