Journal List > Tuberc Respir Dis > v.62(5) > 1001097

Yoon, Oh, Park, Sin, and Park: A Case of Tracheostomy Induced Bilateral Tension Pneumothorax

Abstract

Tracheostomy is one of the oldest surgical procedures in medical history. The indications for a tracheostomy include the relief of an upper airway obstruction, long-term mechanical ventilation, and decreased airway resistance to help wean the patient from mechanical ventilator support. Unfortunately, tracheostomy is also associated with a number of problems including, bleeding, infection, pneumothorax, and tracheal stenosis. A pneumothorax is an uncommon complication of a tracheostomy, and can result from direct injury to the pleura or positive pressure ventilation through a dislocation of the tracheostomy tube. We report an uncommon case of a tracheostomy-induced bilateral tension pneumothorax with a review of the literature.

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
Chest radiography shows
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Figure 2
After tracheostomy, chest bilateral pneumonic infiltrates. radiography shows bilateral pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema.
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Figure 3
Chest radiography after tube
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Figure 4
Follow up film at 10 days thoracostomy. after tracheostomy shows resolving subcutaneous emphysema.
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