Paraplegia after Lung Cancer Resection

[摘要] Background: The major causes of post-operative morbidity and mortality following lung resection are cardiovascular and pulmonary complications. Neurological complications as phrenic or recurrent nerve injury are rarely found, paraplegia is exceptional. Case Report: We report a case of 61 year old man who presented a paraplegia discovered incidentally in the immediate aftermath of a lobectomy for lung cancer. CT showed a possible intra-cord migration of an epidural catheter. The catheter was immediately removed and neurological recovery was progressive and complete. Conclusion: We want to identify the causes, anatomical and technical reasons leading to this complication, recall the necessary measures to prevent its occurrence and finally stress the importance of seeking signs of neurological impairment during the puncture and catheter placement, also after surgery when the effects of general anesthesia are abolished.

[学科分类] 生理学

[关键词] Epidural Anesthesia;Lung Neoplasms;Paraplegia;Punctures;Thoracic Surgery.