Neonatal pneumothorax--an unexpected perioperative complication.

We report our experience of three cases of intraoperative pneumothorax in neonatal surgical patients. Following a review of the literature, we discuss possible causes for each case and methods of treatment. We emphasize the need for inclusion of pneumothorax as a cause for cardiorespiratory instability even when no predisposition is identifiable and highlight the need for prompt treatment to prevent serious morbidity and mortality.