My doctor deflated my lung during surgery but claims it's not punctured. I have a 23 hour stay. Where the tube is inserted in lung it is painful if I try to breath deep, and when I move. Doctor's I am really scared! Will have long term problems?
August 26, 2016
Answer: Lung deflation You have what is called a pneumothorax, or air in the space between the lung and the chest cavity. This is very uncommon in breast reduction surgery, but could have occurred during injection of local anesthetic or because of a separation between the ribs during dissection. Either way, it is fortunate your surgeon recognized the problem and took the appropriate action. You have a chest tube in place to re-inflate the lung, and, yes, it is very uncomfortable. It is usually only necessary for a day or two, and once it is removed you should be good as new except for a small scar where the tube went in. Good luck with your recovery.
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August 26, 2016
Answer: Lung deflation You have what is called a pneumothorax, or air in the space between the lung and the chest cavity. This is very uncommon in breast reduction surgery, but could have occurred during injection of local anesthetic or because of a separation between the ribs during dissection. Either way, it is fortunate your surgeon recognized the problem and took the appropriate action. You have a chest tube in place to re-inflate the lung, and, yes, it is very uncomfortable. It is usually only necessary for a day or two, and once it is removed you should be good as new except for a small scar where the tube went in. Good luck with your recovery.
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August 26, 2016
Answer: Pneumothorax From your description it sounds like you have had an entry of some into the space between the ribs allowing air to enter the space between the long and the rib cage. Your doctor has recognized this and placed a tube to evacuate the air. Once the tube is removed, other than the scar where the puncture was placed, there should be no residual effect. Best wishes for for the rest of your recovery.
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August 26, 2016
Answer: Pneumothorax From your description it sounds like you have had an entry of some into the space between the ribs allowing air to enter the space between the long and the rib cage. Your doctor has recognized this and placed a tube to evacuate the air. Once the tube is removed, other than the scar where the puncture was placed, there should be no residual effect. Best wishes for for the rest of your recovery.
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