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Haemothorax after attempted intercostal catheterisation
M Dangoisse1, S Collins, C J Glynn
1Oxford Regional Pain Relief Unit, Churchill Hospital, Headington.
Anaesthesia
|November 1, 1994
Summary
A rare complication of intercostal nerve blocks, haemothorax, occurred after a patient
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Chronic abdominal pain management can be challenging.
- Interventional pain procedures like nerve blocks are utilized.
Observation:
- A 30-year-old male presented with chronic abdominal pain.
- Previous diagnostic blocks and treatments were unsuccessful.
Findings:
- Clinical assessment revealed a large pleural effusion.
- Diagnosis confirmed as haemothorax following attempted intercostal space catheterization.
- This represents a previously unreported complication of percutaneous intercostal nerve blocks.
Implications:
- Highlights potential risks associated with intercostal nerve blocks.
- Necessitates careful technique and awareness of rare complications.
- Informs future procedural safety protocols in pain management.