Postoperative Management after Pneumonectomy for Blunt Thoracic Trauma

Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg. 2007 Aug;33(4):422-4. doi: 10.1007/s00068-007-6033-9. Epub 2007 Apr 9.

Abstract

Pneumonectomy for blunt thoracic injury carries a high mortality rate. We present a case of severe bilateral blunt thoracic injury in which left pneumonectomy was done. The immediate postoperative measures were directed to maintain right heart performance by minimizing hypoxia, avoiding fluid overload and limiting pulmonary hypertension. We believe that this approach contributed to the favorable outcome of this patient.

Keywords: Blunt; Pneumonectomy; Postoperative care; Trauma.