Postpneumonectomy-like syndrome after lobectomy: An exceptional situation

Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2015 May;23(4):464-6. doi: 10.1177/0218492314534252. Epub 2014 May 14.

Abstract

Postpneumonectomy syndrome is a rare complication occurring after pneumonectomy. It is defined as extrinsic compression of a bronchus associated with a significant shift of the mediastinum. A man aged 45 years with history of C7 tetraparesis, presented with a postpneumonectomy-like syndrome 2 months after a right lower lobectomy. We performed a right pneumonectomy combined with implantation of 2 intrathoracic inflatable mammary implants. The patient remained asymptomatic after 6 months of follow-up. We believe this is the first reported case of a postpneumonectomy-like syndrome occurring after lobectomy.

Keywords: Airway obstruction; mediastinum; pneumonectomy; prostheses and implants.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Airway Obstruction / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung / surgery
  • Male
  • Mediastinum / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Paralysis / complications*
  • Pneumonectomy / methods*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Pulmonary Atelectasis / etiology
  • Pulmonary Atelectasis / surgery*