Spontaneous pneumothorax in pregnancy: A challenge for anaesthesiologist

Abstract

Spontaneous primary pneumothorax (SPP) in pregnancy, though rare, can be a life threatening but easily treatable cause of pneumothorax. Only few cases have been reported till date. Early recognition and prompt treatment are keystones for preventing maternal and foetal complications. We report a case of a 32-year-old pregnant lady who developed right-sided large SPP in the third trimester. This case highlights the limitations of diagnostic aids in pneumothorax, challenges posed to an anaesthesiologist (for operative delivery and definitive lung surgery), and the importance of using multimodal pain management plan to improve the outcome.

Keywords

• Primary spontaneous pneumothorax
• spinal
• thoracic paravertebral block
• video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery