Journal of Japanese Society for Emergency Medicine
Online ISSN : 2187-9001
Print ISSN : 1345-0581
ISSN-L : 1345-0581
CASE REPORTS
Three cases of blunt hemothorax operated with video assisted thoracoscopy, case report
Jun KAWACHIYuki IKEGAYANaoko ISOGAIRai SHIMOYAMAHidemitsu OGINOKazunao WATANABENobuaki SHINOZAKIKouichi MAEKAWA
Author information
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2013 Volume 16 Issue 1 Pages 30-34

Details
Abstract

We have experienced three cases of massive blunt hemothorax treated successfully with Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS). Case 1 was an 85 year-old male who fell down some steps. He was diagnosed as a massive left hemothorax and a chest tube was subsequently inserted. The initial volume of blood was 1,000ml followed by 300ml which was evacuated during the next hour. Operative intervention was deemed necessary and he underwent VATS. Intercostal arterial bleeding was identified and terminated by coagulation. Case 2 was a 68 year-old male who suffered a motorbike accident. He was diagnosed as a right hemopneumothorax, a left pneumothorax, and a burst fracture of thoracic vertebrae. Insertion of a right sided chest tube revealed 400ml of blood followed by 200ml in the next hour. Partial lung resection with VATS was undertaken and hemostasis was achieved. Case 3 was an 83 year-old female who fell down. She was diagnosed as a massive right hemothorax. Insertion of the chest tube revealed 900ml as an initial volume. Surgery was undertaken and oozing from chest wall was stopped with VATS. From these experience, VATS is thought to be useful for the treatment of massive blunt hemothorax with stable vital signs.

Content from these authors
© 2013 Japanese Society for Emergency Medicine
Previous article Next article
feedback
Top