Intrathoracic scapular dislocation following lung cancer resection

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Surgical Complications
• Oncology

Background:

• Lung cancer resection often requires chest wall reconstruction.
• Dual Mesh is a synthetic material used for chest wall reconstruction.
• Complications can arise from synthetic materials used in surgery.

Observation:

• A 64-year-old man developed severe shoulder pain and purulent drainage post-lung cancer surgery with Dual Mesh reconstruction.
• Chest CT revealed inferior scapular angle protrusion into the thoracic cavity.

Findings:

• Mesh removal was performed due to infection and complication.
• Titanium plate fixation of the fifth rib was necessary to prevent recurrent scapular dislocation.
• Continuous thoracic cavity lavage was administered post-redo surgery.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare complication of Dual Mesh use in chest wall reconstruction.
• Titanium plate fixation offers a viable solution for stabilizing the scapula post-reconstruction.
• Successful management of this complication ensures oncologic outcomes and patient recovery.