Misdiagnosis of Hemothorax as Atelectasis After Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery

This report describes a case in which a patient presented with hemothorax after a minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (mTLIF) was performed under general anesthesia. Diagnosis of hemothorax was delayed because it is a rare complication of mTLIF. Following surgery, the patient was diagnosed with total atelectasis by a respiratory physician in the intensive care unit. The atelectasis did not improve following ventilator care and bronchial washing under bronchoscopic guidance. Chest radiography revealed a hemothorax, chest tube drainage was performed, and the patient’s condition improved. Hemothorax is rare complication of mTLIF. However, anesthesiologists should carefully observe the symptoms and the vital signs of the patient for this possibility. Keyword: Atelectasis, Hemothorax, Spine