Acute respiratory failure during pediatric anesthesia: atelectasis and hypertensive pneumothorax: case report.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The main anesthesiologist's task is to ensure appropriate oxygenation of patient. The objective of this report is to describe both diagnosis and behavior in case of acute respiratory failure during anesthesia, with educational purposes. CASE REPORT Three-year-old child underwent anesthesia for urologic surgery presented respiratory failure by bronchial obstruction by secretion, evolving to atelectasis and hypertensive pneumothorax. We present the evolution of the case and applied treatment means, emphasizing the urgency and drainage technique in hypertensive pneumothorax. CONCLUSIONS The anesthesiologist's attention to early diagnosis of respiratory complications and knowledge of priority measures in each moment may prevent serious adverse effects.