The effects of pneumothorax on the respiratory mechanics during laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

Pneumothorax is rare but can be a severe complication of laparoscopic surgery. Diagnosis of pneumothorax in laparoscopy includes the sudden increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) with a decrease in compliance and an abnormal increase in airway pressure. By these case reports, we recommend the simultaneous monitoring of airway pressures, dynamic compliance, and particularly, EtCO2 for an immediate diagnosis and prompt treatment of pneumothorax.