A rare case of pulmonary complication after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in an obese patient, associated with central venous catheter malposition: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical intervention for morbid obesity possesses a first-line treatment and it is widespread worldwide. Obese patients have a high chance of postoperative complications and mortality is significantly raised with higher BMI levels. In addition to this, the altered anatomy of obese patients characterizes the central venous catheter insertion as a difficult procedure. Case presentation: In our case report we present a 52-year-old woman who admitted in our surgical department in order to be treated surgically for morbid obesity. All of her preoperative evaluation tests were absolutely normal. The patient was treated with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. On postoperative day 2 the patient presented with acute dyspnea and low oxygen saturation. Diagnosis: After evaluation with computed tomography of the thorax an excessive right pleural effusion was diagnosed and the patient was treated with thoracic tube insertion. There was a fully recovery and the patient discharged after a couple of days. Conclusion: High mortality and morbidity after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a crucial parameter for postoperative complications in obese patients. High suspicion and wide spectrum of differential diagnosis results in early prevention and solution of the problem.