REEXPANSION PULMONARY-EDEMA AFTER REMOVAL OF A INTRATHORACIC TUMOR

We report an acute respiratory insufficiency following the removal of a large intrathoracic fibroma (3.1 kg) in a 6 year-old child, caused b y a re-expansion pulmonary oedema (unilateral oedema occurring within one hour after expansion). This oedema improved rapidly and was follow ed by a well-tolerated pleural effusion. This complication is due to d iscrepancy between a small lung and a large thoracic cavity, due to th e prolonged time course of the tumor growth. These oedemas are caused by rapid lung re-expansion, the volume of the removed tumor and the de pth of postoperative pleural suction, The value of positive-end expira tory pressure is discussed.