[Pneumothorax caused by anaesthesiological manipulations (author's transl)]

Pneumothorax may occur following procedures such as the insertion of a subclavian catheter, intercostal blockade, supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade, endotracheal mechanical ventilation or assisted ventilation of the newborn by the "pulmarca" method. The incidence of pneumothorax was investigated over a 2 1/2 years period. Measurements to prevent, reduce and treat this complication are discussed and suggestions on the aetiology of bilateral pneumothorax in the newborn are described.