Unstable Chest Surgical Management in Pregnancy: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Present a review of the case, management, and progress of an obstetric patient who suffered a car accident with subsequent severe blunt thoracic trauma (BTT) resulting in flail chest (FC). Case report This is a case of Hispanic female of 44 years involved in a car accident at 14 weeks of gestation, who presented with FC, sternal fracture, and severe respiratory compromise. This woman received surgical management and care in an intensive obstetric care unit management, presenting osteomyelitis as a complication, along with physical deconditioning and prolonged hospital stay, finally with an obstetric and functional favorable outcome. Conclusion Although severe BTT in pregnant patients is uncommon, it is important to highlight the appropriate medical management required for these patients in order to achieve a successful outcome, as was in this case. This is the only case report of FC surgical management in pregnancy that we have in our institution so far. How to cite this article Nieto AJ, Velásquez M, Escobar MF, Carvajal JA, Granados M. Unstable Chest Surgical Management in Pregnancy: Case Report and Literature Review. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2016;5(3):155-160.