OBJECTIVE:
We investigated the etiologies of Iatrogenic Pneumothoraces that may occur after various invasive procedures performed at our hospital.
METHODS:
Charts of 27 patients were retrospectively reviewed from September 2006- December 2011.
RESULTS:
11 patients were female, 16 male, mean age 44 (19-74). The most common cause of iatrogenic pneumothorax was central venous catheter insertion (n: 8) 29.6%. The second most cause was thoracentesis (n: 6) 22.2%, the third most common cause was transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy (n: 5) 18.5%. Treatment choices for these cases were as follows, observation with nasal oxygen for 8 (pneumothorax degree below 20%), simple aspiration for 6, chest tube application for 12, surgery for 1 patients (air leakage> 7 days). There was no mortality.
CONCLUSION:
Iatrogenic pneumothorax is a serious complication which may be treatable if it is noticed. Proper technique and experience, we believe reduces the risk of iatrogenic pneumothorax.
Keywords: Pneumothorax, thoracentesis, transthoracic biopsy, tube thoracostomy