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

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction We 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 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 management unit, presenting with 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 to achieve a successful outcome, as was in this case. This is the only case report of a FC surgical management in pregnancy that we have had 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 2017;6(1):52-57.