Massive Emphysema and Pneumothorax Following Shoulder Arthroscopy under General Anaesthesia: A Case Report

The patient was a 61-year-old female with massive rotator cuff tear who had no history of smoking, COPD, asthma, or other pulmonary diseases. Four hours following shoulder arthroscopy, the patient developed progressive dyspnea, which was diagnosed as pneumothorax with subcutaneous emphysema extending to the neck and face. Chest tube was inserted promptly. The patient was discharged with a good condition after 7 days. Follow up of the patient for the next 3 months was uneventful.

Keywords:

Emphysema , General anesthesia , Pneumothorax , Shoulder arthroscopy