Chest wall swelling and pneumothorax after shoulder arthroscopy: Were the 2 events totally independent?

Abstract

Rationale: Arthroscopic shoulder surgery (ASS) is a low mortality and morbidity procedure, but anesthetic complications are reported. There have been no reports of combined chest wall swelling and pneumothorax after ASS. Patient concerns: The patient's right lung was severely collapsed and the mediastinum was deviated after ASS. Diagnosis: Pneumothorax on right chest. Interventions: A chest tube was inserted and oxygen therapy was performed. Outcomes: The patient was discharged uneventfully. Lessons: Elective ASS has low mortality and morbidity rates, but we should be more concerned over the complications after ASS.