Iatrogenic Pneuomothorax Due To Subclavian Catheter Application: Analysis of 13 Cases

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical priorities and treatment of pneuomothorax due to subclavian catheter application. Material and methods: Thirteen cases of iatrogenic pneumothorax due to subclavian catheter application in Chest Surgery clinic between January 2005 and October 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. Catheters were applied to some of the patients before the operations and to the others at the clinics for various indications. For the treatment of the pneumothorax, expectant management, simple aspiration, chest tube drainage and surgical treatment were used. Results: It is defined that tube thoracostomy is most prefered treatment intervention for pneumothorax. Whereas follow up and O2 treatment applied in two cases, surgical intervention needed in one case because air leakage continued for 10 days. Thorax tube was extracted after pleurodesis by talc in two cases whom negative ossilation duration was long. Conclusion: Consequently, iatrogenic pneumothorax as a cause of morbidity and mortality is a serious complication which may be treatable if it is noticed and measures are taken. In the catheterizations of thorax, it should be kept in mind that tension pneumothorax may develop when appropriate pressure conditions are formed even though pneumothorax is not clinically evident.