Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
Application of Microwave Ablation in Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy
Published on: November 15, 2024
Left thoracotomy utilizing splenectomy in blunt thoracic injury: An alternative surgical approach
Meletios A Kanakis1, Panagiotis Misthos, Konstantinos Alexiou
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sismanoglio General Hospital of Athens, Greece.
Introduction:
Posterolateral thoracotomy could be an alternative surgical approach in selected cases coexistence of abdominal injuries with ipsilateral thoracic injury.
Presentation Of Case:
A 65-year-old male with left sided chest injury was initially admitted to a regional health center after a crawler overthrow accident. He underwent chest tube drainage of left hemithorax and he was transferred immediately to our hospital. A CT scan showed a large spleen which was injured by a wedged splint of the 10th rib into its parenchyma. Lung parenchyma was also lacerated by chest tube misplacement with associated hemothorax. He underwent a lower left lateral thoracotomy. Splenectomy was performed via a phrenotomy and subsequently the injured lung was repaired. His postoperative course was uneventful.
Discussion:
Incisions in the diaphragm are commonly made to provide adequate exposure during a variety of thoracic and abdominal operations. Thoracic approach could potentially be advantageous for thoracic and abdominal injuries.
Conclusion:
Thoracic approach is a safe alternative, providing excellent exposure of upper abdominal organs, and should be considered in selected cases of abdominal trauma, especially when an ipsilateral thoracic injury coexists.
