Lung Collapse Induced by Pulmonary Hemorrhage: A Rare Complication of Hysteroscopy

Lung collapse secondary to mucus plug in a gynecologic patient after reconstructive pelvic surgery

This is the case of a 45-year-old woman with a history of asthma and smoking who developed complete left lung and right upper lobe collapse secondary to mucus plugs that developed immediately postoperatively after an uncomplicated reconstructive pelvic surgery. This rare intraoperative complication was successfully treated in the recovery room with bedside fiber-optic bronchoscopy. This resulted in complete resolution of her pulmonary findings within 24 hours of bronchoscopy.