Lobar Torsion after Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy: 2 Case Reports

L. Duan; X. Chen; G. Jiang

doi:10.1055/s-0030-1271182

The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon, Table of Contents

Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2012; 60(02): 167-169
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1271182

Case Report

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Lobar Torsion after Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy: 2 Case Reports

L. Duan

¹Tongji University Affiliated Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Shanghai, China

,

X. Chen

¹Tongji University Affiliated Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Shanghai, China

,

G. Jiang

¹Tongji University Affiliated Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Shanghai, China

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

All articles of this category

Abstract

Lung torsion is a rare but potentially lethal complication after pulmonary resection. We report two cases of right middle lobar torsion after video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) right upper lobectomy in our unit. The two cases were diagnosed definitely 7 and 14 days after VATS surgery by computed tomography (CT) scan and bronchoscopy, respectively. Rethoracotomy and right middle lobectomy were performed in both patients. VATS lobectomy contributes to the development of lobar torsion so this complication should be considered. Carefully checking anatomical structures before thoracotomic closure and correctly suturing the middle lobe to the consecutive lobe are effective ways to prevent this complication.

Keywords

thoracoscopy/VATS - surgery - complications - lung - benign or congenital lesions

Full Text

References

References
1 Cable DG, Deschamps C, Allen MS, Miller DL, Nichols FC, Trastek VF , et al. Lobar torsion after pulmonary resection: presentation and outcome. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001; 122: 1091-1093
2 Larsson S, Lepore V, Dernevik L, Nilsson F, Selin K. Torsion of a lung lobe: diagnosis and treatment. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1988; 36: 281-283
3 Keagy BA, Lores ME, Starek PJ, Murray GF, Lucas CL, Wilcox BR. Elective pulmonary lobectomy: factors associated with morbidity and operative mortality. Ann Thorac Surg 1985; 40: 349-352
4 Schamaun M. Postoperative pulmonary torsion: report of a case and survey of the literature including spontaneous and posttraumatic torsion. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1994; 42: 116-121
5 Felson B. Lung torsion: radiographic findings in nine cases. Radiology 1987; 162: 631-638
6 Velmachos GC, Franhouse J, Ciccolo M. Pulmonary torsion of the right upper lobe after middle lobectomy for a stab wound to the chest. J Trauma 1998; 44: 920-922
7 Apostolakis E, Koletsis EN, Panagopoulos N, Prokakis C, Dougenis D. Fatal stroke after completion pneumonectomy for torsion of left upper lobe following left lower lobectomy. J Cardiothorac Surg 2006; 12: 25
8 Charles C, Sticco DO, Shahriyour A. Middle lobar torsion after right upper lobectomy: a report of video-assisted thoracoscopic management. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2007; 134: 1090-1091