[Intercostal Lung Hernia after Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy]

Area of Science:

• Thoracic surgery
• Surgical oncology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• A 52-year-old woman underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy for primary lung cancer.
• The postoperative recovery was initially uneventful.

Observation:

• Progressive subcutaneous emphysema of the thorax and neck developed 6 weeks post-lobectomy.
• Chest computed tomography revealed intercostal lung herniation and associated subcutaneous emphysema.

Findings:

• Surgical repair was successfully performed using thoracoscopic assistance.
• The procedure involved resection of the herniated lung portion.
• Ribs were stabilized with wire for sternal suturing.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare complication of lung lobectomy: intercostal lung herniation.
• Thoracoscopic repair is an effective treatment for post-lobectomy lung herniation.
• Sternal wire fixation can provide necessary rib stabilization during repair.