[Pneumothorax during esophageal endoscopic mucosal resection].

We report a case of pneumothorax occurring during esophageal endoscopic mucosal resection (EEMR). A 53-year-old man with early esophageal carcinoma was scheduled for EEMR under general anesthesia with artificial ventilation. During the operation, arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximeter suddenly decreased from 99% to 84%, and airway pressure increased from 15 cmH2O to 25 cmH2O. Right pneumothorax was detected and chest drainage was performed. On resumption of the operation, perforation of the esophagus was identified and repaired. The esophageal perforation and pleural injury were thought to have been caused by endoscopic operation. Although a rare complication in EEMR, pneumothorax should be considered when sudden' hypoxia occurs during EEMR.