Anesthetic Considerations in a Case of Peumatocele Following Chest Trauma: A Case Report

Pneumatocele is a lung bulla or rather an air filled cavity present within the lung parenchyma. It has various causes of origin. The bullous area is void of bronchoalveolar oxygenation and that certainly could result in dyspnea, hypoxia, symptomatic chest pain or even hemoptysis. This can result in spontaneous pneumothorax, pneumothorax provoked by mechanical ventilation or infection. We present a case of a 47yr old gentleman, who presented with a pneumatocele following trauma to chest. Prior to induction, thoracic epidural was inserted at T6-T7 and then he was intubated with the single lumen tube rather than the conventional double lumen tube for bullectomy. Post-operative pain relief using ropivacaine 0.375% and dexmedetomidine was effective. We discuss the anesthetic management and considerations in such a case.