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DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1299581
Sternal Dehiscence Accompanied by Protrusion of the Left Lung Through the Chest Wall
Publication History
17 August 2011
29 September 2011
Publication Date:
01 March 2012 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/thoracic/201303/lookinside/thumbnails/10.1055-s-0031-1299581-1.jpg)
Abstract
We report an almost complete protrusion of the lung through the anterior chest wall occurring as a complication following sternal dehiscence. Emergency treatment is mandatory since it has a high potential for incarceration, hemopneumothorax, respiratory failure, and infection. Twenty-eight days after coronary by-pass surgery, the left lung of a 66-year-old male patient almost completely protruded through the sternotomy incision in the chest wall; the lung tissue was successfully reduced and the sternotomy was closed. Recurrence was not observed within the 6-month follow-up period, his general condition was good. The clinical course of the patient was retrospectively reviewed, and this case was reported with a unique complication.
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References
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