Traumatic lung hernia

초록

Traumatic extrathoracic intercostal lung hernia occurs rarely and optimal method of management is not established. We herewith report a case of traumatic lung hernia combined with rib fractures. A 53-year-old male patient presented to ER, following fall off the bicycle and suffering from a contusional injury of left anterior chest wall by the handlebar. On chest CT, partial herniation of lung tissue outside thoracic cage via 5th intercostal space combined with fractures of the 5th and 6th ribs was observed. The lesion corresponded to the localized swelling of the chest wall, varying in contour according to the respiratory movement. He refused the immediate operation and was managed conservatively. On follow-up CT taken 3 days later, the greater part of herniated lung tissue was seen reduced. He was discharged at 5th hospital day. Two weeks later, he was seen at the outpatient clinic. Although overlying chest wall felt somewhat thinned out on palpation, he was generally in good shape without complaints.