Minimally invasive retrieval of a foreign body after penetrating lung injury

Surg Endosc. 2001 Sep;15(9):1043. doi: 10.1007/s004640041014. Epub 2001 Jun 12.

Abstract

Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly used in the management of trauma victims. We report the case of a young man in a motor vehicle crash who sustained a penetrating wound to the anterior left chest caused by the automobile stick shift. Subsequent imaging demonstrated a large foreign body in the left lung. The foreign body was removed successfully by videothoracoscopy, and the patient made a full recovery. This case demonstrates the inroads that minimally invasive surgery is making in care of the injured and highlights an excellent technique for dealing with pulmonary foreign bodies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adult
  • Automobiles
  • Foreign Bodies / etiology
  • Foreign Bodies / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Lung / surgery*
  • Lung Injury
  • Male
  • Thoracic Injuries / etiology
  • Thoracic Injuries / surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wounds, Penetrating / etiology
  • Wounds, Penetrating / surgery*