Massive haemothorax from percutaneous nephrolithotomy requiring video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A case report

Massive haemothorax can occur following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), which is a significant adverse event and a life-threatening condition.

A 65-year-old male who presented with a full right staghorn stone was treated with PCNL. Two days later, he developed massive haemothorax and conservative management with intercostal drainage failed. The patient successfully underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical decortication (VATSD).

PCNL is the mainstay procedure for complex renal stones. Because it is aggressive, it can also have serious complications. Tube thoracostomy drainage is the initial approach for managing haemothorax. However, retained haemothorax still occurs and can cause additional complications. VATSD is frequently applied in the modern era because of its good visualization and reduced morbidity compared with conventional thoracotomy.

VATSD is a safe and effective surgical technique that can be easily applied to manage retained haemothorax as a result of PCNL.