Migration of the guide-wire into the pleural cavity after needle localization of breast lesions

Eur J Surg Oncol. 1998 Oct;24(5):446-8. doi: 10.1016/s0748-7983(98)92527-6.

Abstract

The hook-wire is frequently used for pre-operative localization of non-palpable breast lesions. We describe a case where this hook-wire migrated into the pleural cavity, causing paralysis of the ipsilateral phrenic nerve. A thoracoscopic procedure resulted in successful removal of the wire from the chest. Migration of the hook-wire after localization of mammographic lesions is a serious complication for which potential occurrence should be noted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Foreign-Body Migration / complications*
  • Foreign-Body Migration / surgery
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Paralysis / etiology*
  • Phrenic Nerve / physiopathology*
  • Pleura*
  • Thoracoscopy