Thoracoscopic surgery for a pregnant woman with spontaneous pneumothorax

Abstract

A 27-year-old pregnant woman at the 19^th gestational week developed spontaneous pneumothorax. Chest tube drainage was performed, but her course was unfavorable. At the 21^st gestational week, thoracoscopic surgery was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged on the 3^rd postoperative day. Thereafter, she experienced no recurrence of the pneumothorax, and delivered a healthy baby. Some reports state that pneumothorax occurring during pregnancy should always be treated conservatively. However, we think we should perform thoracoscopic surgery in the case of recurrence or prolonged air leakage, because there is a risk of recurrence on delivery and prolonged drainage-related infection.