Muscle herniation following single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance

Single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a less invasive approach for patients undergoing a bullectomy. This report demonstrates a case of post-single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery of rhomboid muscle herniation into the thoracic cavity.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old lady presented with a 1-month history of dyspnea due to single large lung bullae of 13 cm × 10 cm. She underwent bullectomy using single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and recovered well thereafter. Four months later, the patient presented with pain at the site of the incision with a severe cough. During the workup, radiographic images showed herniation of the rhomboid major muscle into the thoracic cavity.

Clinical discussion

Intercostal herniation of thoracic soft tissues can be in the form of lung herniation or inverted intercostal herniation of other soft tissues. It is an extremely rare disorder and mainly occurs after an anterior thoracotomy.

Conclusion

Muscle herniation is a rare complication following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Proper closure of the wound including periosteal stitches might be necessary to prevent this complication.