[Post-tracheotomy pneumothorax. Is thoracic radiography required after each tracheotomy?]

An Otorrinolaringol Ibero Am. 2001;28(1):13-8.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Pneumothorax complicating a tracheotomy is a rare event, but it should be clinically considered in order to the early treatment, mostly in urgent or pediatric cases. We report 2 cases in which pneumothorax complicated postoperatively the tracheotomy and required early clinic and radiologic diagnosis followed by a promptly and satisfactorily evacuated. We review the need to perform a chest X-Ray after every tracheotomy or only following those cases found to be at risk, as well some effective preventive measures.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumothorax / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pneumothorax / etiology*
  • Postoperative Care*
  • Radiography
  • Tracheotomy / adverse effects*