Postoperative pneumomediastinum with bilateral pneumothorax following percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Abstract

Postoperative pulmonary complications are uncommon following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). However, evidence has shown the occurrence of pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum following PCNL. Such life-threatening complications can prove catastrophic if not diagnosed and intervened immediately. Perioperative point-of-care lung ultrasound can play a pivotal role in immediate diagnosis of the pneumothorax and resultant timely intervention limits the morbidity in the immediate postoperative period.

Keywords

• percutaneous nephrolithotomy
• pneumomediastinum
• pneumothorax
• subcutaneous emphysema