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Delayed massive subcutaneous emphysema following Robicsek closure.
Natalia Pavone1, Federico Cammertoni1, Piergiorgio Bruno1
1Department of Cardiovascular Sciences Cardiac Surgery Unit Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A.Gemelli" IRCCS Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome Italy.
Clinical Case Reports
|January 2, 2020
Summary
A broken sternal steel wire, a rare surgical complication, can cause extensive emphysema. Medical professionals must consider unusual causes for unexpected clinical scenarios.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Medical Complications
Background:
- Surgical procedures, particularly sternotomies, carry inherent risks.
- Unexpected clinical presentations can arise from iatrogenic causes.
- Maintaining vigilance for rare complications is crucial in medical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight a rare complication following sternal wire closure.
- To emphasize the importance of considering unusual etiologies in clinical diagnosis.
- To report a case of massive emphysema caused by a broken sternal wire.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Review of relevant medical literature.
- Clinical and radiological assessment of the patient.
Main Results:
- A patient developed massive emphysema.
- The cause was identified as a broken sternal steel wire.
- This represents a rare but significant post-operative complication.
Conclusions:
- Broken sternal wires can lead to severe pulmonary complications like emphysema.
- Awareness of such rare surgical complications is essential for timely diagnosis and management.
- This case underscores the need for thorough evaluation of unexpected post-sternotomy presentations.
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