RESUMEN
Background: Acupuncture-related pneumothorax (PTX) is a poorly reported complication of thoracic needling. Recent Chinese literature reviews cited PTXs as the most common adverse outcome. Because of delayed presentation, this complication is thought to be underrecognized by acupuncturists and is largely addressed by hospital and emergency room personnel. The goal of this case study was to demonstrate common risk factors for a PTX, the mechanisms for its development, and protocols to use if one is suspected. Case: A 43-year-old, athletic female with chronic neck pain that was poorly managed with oral medications sought an alternative intervention for pain control. Her treatment plan consisted of weekly acupuncture sessions in the prone and supine positions targeting points along the Bladder, Gall Bladder, and Small Intestine meridians, as well as the right scapular Ah Shi point. She also received infrared lamp therapy. The aim of this approach was to help the patient achieve subjective pain reduction and increased range of motion. Results: One hour after her third treatment session, this patient experienced pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea. She was transported to a local Level-1 trauma center by emergency medical services and was diagnosed with a right-sided PTX. Conclusions: The acupoints addressed, a practitioner's knowledge of variations in anatomy, and a patient's body habitus and medical history are risk factors for PTX development. A patient's initial presentation does not predict future outcome. A benign presentation can evolve into a potentially life-threatening cardiovascular collapse. When PTX is suspected, discussing it with the patient and facilitating appropriate evaluation and intervention by a tertiary-care facility is warranted.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Caudal agenesis is indicative of a poor prognosis for achieving normal bowel function in children with high imperforate anus (HIA). Complications with impaction, soiling, megarectosigmoid, and adverse responses to rectal enemas are inevitable and associated with long-term psychosocial dysfunction. In an attempt to avoid these outcomes, the authors began a prospective evaluation in these high-risk patients of skin level cecostomy tubes placed in infancy. METHODS: Between October 1997 and March 2001, 8 infants with variants of caudal agenesis underwent presumptive therapeutic placement of a cecostomy tube in conjunction with colostomy closure (n = 7) and anal transposition (n = 1). Mean age at time of cecostomy placement was 16 months. Efficacy of daily irrigations with individually modified electrolyte solutions has been evaluated over the subsequent 1 to 41 months with a mean follow-up of 22 months. RESULTS: Effective daily colonic evacuation was achieved in 7 infants. Transient episodes of incomplete emptying often associated with soiling were resolved with adjustments in solution contents and volume. No patient has required admission for impaction, and only 1 patient has required rectal enemas. There have been no major complications, and minor problems with cramping, granulation tissue, and site discomfort quickly resolved. One patient with anal anastamotic stricture consistently has not responded to antegrade irrigation and continues to require intermittent rectal enemas and anal dilation. Attempts to wean the irrigations occur as the infants grow older and are able to participate in toilet training; however, in this preschool population, tapering of the frequency has been tolerated only transiently. CONCLUSIONS: Antegrade enemas via a cecostomy device are highly effective for bowel management in infants with HIA and caudal agenesis. They can be placed with minimal morbidity at the time of initial reconstruction or colostomy closure. Consideration of this procedure in all infants with HIA may be indicated.