Postoperative seroma is a common complication after muscle-sparing lateral thoracotomy. The main cause is considered to be the result of subcutaneous flap mobilization. We present a case of seroma which occurred following a pneumonectomy owing to subcutaneous flooding with pleural fluid, which was successfully treated by subclavian catheter insertion. The technical aspect of the procedure is described.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
HazelriggSRLandreneauRJBoleyTMPriesmeyerMSchmaltzRANawarawongW. The effect of muscle-sparing versus standard posterolateral thoracotomy on pulmonary function, muscle strength, and postoperative pain. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg1991; 101: 394–401.
2.
AkcaliYDemirHTezcanH. The effect of standard posterolateral versus muscle-sparing thoracotomy on multiple parameters. Ann Thorac Surg2003; 76: 1050–4.
3.
SuenHCChavezVMFarmerRTRodriguezGJrDailyBB. Images in cardiothoracic surgery. Herniation of postpneumonectomy space fluid. Ann Thorac Surg2005; 80: 1942.
4.
CullinaneCKovitzKLHartzRS. Late mediastinal shift after repeated aspiration of postpneumonectomy seroma. Chest2001; 119: 975–7.
