THORACIC SURGERY
A new technique of pulmonary hernia surgical repair using intramedullary titanium implants

Introduction: In this paper we present a new method of pulmonary hernia surgical treatment. Pulmonary hernia is a rare pathology. The first description of pulmonary hernia was made by Roland in 1499. The world literature describes only a little more than 300 cases of pulmonary hernia. Pulmonary hernia is defined as the projection of the lung tissue covered by the parietal pleura beyond the normal boundaries of the pleural cavity, through the pathological holes in the chest wall. During our work as thoracic surgeons, we have used different ways of thoracic chest wall reconstructive operations and anastomoses of the broken ribs.

Aim of the study: To search for optimal methods of pulmonary hernia surgery and to evaluate a new technique of pulmonary hernia surgical repair using intramedullary titanium implants.

Material and methods: In 2013 in our clinic, we diagnosed and cured two patients with idiopathic pulmonary hernia. We performed a reconstructive operation of the chest wall with anastomosis of the broken ribs using titanium intramedullary stabilization implants – splints.

Results: To date, the annual observation has revealed no recurrence of pulmonary hernia or postoperative complications. At present, the patients demonstrate full life activity.

Conclusions: So far, in the world literature, we have not encountered any information about using such methods to repair pulmonary hernia. We regard our method as safe, easy to use and giving good therapeutic results.