Correction of postpneumonectomy syndrome using a custom implant

The authors describe a patient who underwent a right pneumonectomy for removal of a bronchial carcinoid tumour. Over time she developed recurrent infections, dyspnoea and wheeze despite no evidence of tumour recurrence. A marked mediastinal shift caused severe narrowing of the left main-stem bronchus as it was draped over the vertebral column consistent with a diagnosis of postpneumonectomy syndrome. Mediastinal reorientation was accomplished with the placement of two breast implants. Failure of the superior implant resulted in a recurrence of symptoms 4 months postoperatively. A durable custom expander with wall thickness three times that of a standard expander was placed after rupture of one of the two initially placed saline implants. At 2-years follow-up the patient has complete resolution of symptoms, without any further postoperative complications.