Post-tracheotomy pneumothorax. Is thoracic radiography required after each tracheotomy?
Plaza Mayor, G.; Diego Calvo, A.I.; Rubio López, A.; Martínez Vidal, A.
Anales Otorrinolaringologicos Ibero-Americanos 28(1): 13-18
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0303-8874 PMID: 11265514 Document Number: 527268
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.