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Rectus abdominis muscle atrophy after thoracotomy
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Yeungnam University Hospital, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine
|December 18, 2019
Summary
Thoracotomy can cause intercostal nerve injury, but rectus abdominis muscle atrophy is rare. This case report details a patient who developed rectus abdominis muscle atrophy after thoracotomy due to nerve injury.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Neurology
- Abdominal Wall Anatomy
Background:
- Thoracotomy is a surgical procedure involving incision of the chest wall.
- Intercostal nerve injury is a known complication of thoracotomy.
- Rectus abdominis muscle atrophy is an uncommon sequela.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old male presented with an abdominal bulge two months post-left thoracotomy for esophageal perforation and lung decortication.
- Computed tomography confirmed left rectus abdominis muscle atrophy.
Findings:
- The study reports a case of thoracotomy-induced denervation leading to rectus abdominis muscle atrophy.
- This suggests a potential link between surgical trauma and subsequent muscle degeneration.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare but significant complication of thoracotomy.
- Suggests the need for increased awareness and potential diagnostic considerations for rectus abdominis muscle atrophy post-thoracotomy.
- May inform surgical techniques to minimize nerve damage during thoracic procedures.
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