Tension Pneumothorax as a Complication of Inadvertent Pleural Tears During Posterior Spinal Surgery

ObjectiveTo review and expose the occurrences of tension pneumothorax as a result of pleural tear during posterior spinal surgery.MethodsIntraoperative reports were retrospectively reviewed for 2 patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion and experienced pleural tear and subsequent tension pneumothorax. Surgical decisions for recognition and treatment were also reviewed.ResultsUnrecognized pleural tearing led to the formation of tension pneumothorax in both patients studied. Onset of respiratory signs and symptoms were delayed, occurring in the recovery room for the first patient and intraoperatively for the second. Both patients were successfully treated with conversion to open pneumothorax and placement of chest tubes.ConclusionsTension pneumothorax is a complication that can arise during posterior thoracic spinal surgery as a result of an inadvertent pleural tear. Awareness of this potentially fatal complication will greatly help in the timely recognition and treatment of this condition if this situation occurs. The authors recommend a low threshold for chest tube placement in patients with known or suspected pleural tears or in patients with undiagnosed respiratory failure undergoing posterior thoracic spine surgery.