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

Introduction

Pulmonary hernia is a rare pathology. The first description of pulmonary hernia was made by Roland in 1499 [1]. In 1847, Morel-Lavallée created the first classification of pulmonary hernia. He divided the disorder into two groups: congenital (18%) and acquired, which was split into two subgroups, the first being post-traumatic hernia (52%) and the second comprising idiopathic and pathological hernias (30%). The classification is shown in Table I [2]. Another classification of pulmonary hernia was created based on its anatomical location; here, we distinguish cervical and thoracic hernia. The world literature describes only a little more than 300 cases of pulmonary hernia [3]. 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 [4, 5]. The best method for diagnosis of pulmonary hernia is computed tomography [6]. Conservative treatment and observation are recommended in patients with small hernias without clinical symptoms. Large pulmonary hernias producing clinical symptoms require surgical treatment. The world literature describes the methods of surgical treatment of such hernias, from closure of the ring of hernia by moving the intercostal spaces closer using surgical sutures, applying polypropylene nets or the patient’s own tissues such as the fascia of the latissimus dorsi or flaps of the chest wall muscles [3, 7, 8]. In 2009, Wiens et al. described a new technique of the surgical treatment of pulmonary hernia using laminar hooks connected to titanium bars that are fixed to the ribs with modified hooks. The materials and surgical techniques applied by these authors are used by neurosurgeons in the correction of spinal injuries and scoliosis [9]. Using the information and experience of surgeons who previously treated pulmonary hernia and described their conclusions in the literature, we performed reconstructive operations of pulmonary hernia in two patients using intramedullary titanium implants (splints).

Material and methods

In 2013, at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Surgery and Oncology, we diagnosed two patients with idiopathic pulmonary hernia. The medical history of both patients ruled out chest injuries as the cause of pulmonary hernia. The diagnostic imaging confirmed rib fractures in both patients with formation of the hernial ring (Fig. 1A, B). In both cases, hernia produced the signs of pain on breathing and in one patient it caused the recurrent presence of fluid in the pleural cavity with accompanying shortness of breath. In both patients, 3D computed tomography performed before the scheduled surgery clearly depicted rib fractures (Fig. 2). Fractures were located in the postero-lateral portion of the ribs (from 6 to 10). Due to the nature of idiopathic fracture, we did the test for osteoporosis and osteopaenia. The diseases were excluded in both cases. Accordingly, the two patients were qualified for a reconstructive operation of the chest wall using intramedullary titanium implants (splints) designed to repair rib fracture. The procedure was performed under general anaesthesia with a double lumen endotracheal tube with independent lung ventilation. The surgical incision of the chest was performed centrally, over the palpable ring of hernia. The hernial sac was reached and opened (Fig. 3). In both cases, there were no adhesions between the lung and the chest wall. The excess of the hernial sac was resected together with the parietal pleura. The dislocated rib fractures were located. The rib fractures were set and a hole was made in the anterior wall of the rib using surgical tools such as a drill and screwdriver. The holes were made in the proximal ends of the ribs and used to insert a splint. It was directed to the marrow cavity towards the vertebral column (Fig. 4). A splint was fixed to the proximal part of the rib using a titanium screw. After stabilization of the ribs using splints, extra holes were drilled in the neighbouring ribs and the formed openings were additionally stabilized with the help of surgical sutures (Fig. 5). Additional drilling of the ribs decreased the pressure exerted by surgical stitches on the intercostal nerves. In the annual postoperative observation, this action directly reduced the postoperative pain. The treatments ended with the typical insertion of a drain into the pleural cavity. The chest wall was closed by stitching the muscles, subcutaneous tissue and skin. On the second day after surgery, the drains were removed from the pleural cavity. The patients were discharged home on the fourth and fifth day after the surgery. The patients remain under the constant control of our thoracic surgery out-patient clinic. To date, the annual observation has revealed no recurrence of pulmonary hernia or postoperative complications. Every three months, we perform imaging studies such as computed tomography and X-ray. The location of the implanted splints is correct (Fig. 6). After the surgery, the first patient required the temporary use of analgesics for the first two months. He had no recurrence of the fluid in the pleural cavity or shortness of breath; the second patient used painkillers also in the case of pain during the first month. At present, the patients demonstrate full life activity.

Conclusions

The world literature describes numerous methods of pulmonary hernia treatment, from simply moving the ribs closer using surgical sutures, through the use of nets and muscle flaps to support the ring of hernia [3, 8]. In 2009, a report on the use of neurosurgical methods and materials for the treatment of pulmonary hernia was published [9]. Due to the fact that patients expect a full return to active life, stable scaffolding of the chest wall and proper functioning of the respiratory system, there is still a search for optimal methods of pulmonary hernia surgery. The use of intramedullary titanium implants ensures reliable stabilization of the chest wall and no sensation of implants being palpable under the skin. In combination with the additional rib stitches placed through the extra holes, which additionally move the ribs closer, we have obtained more stabilization and reduced postoperative pain. The annual observation revealed no complications in patients operated on using this technique. If we have at our disposal the titanium implants necessary for the fixation of broken ribs, our method of surgical treatment of large and symptomatic pulmonary hernia is a simple procedure. It is also safe and meets the expectations of both patients and doctors for the surgical treatment of pulmonary hernia.

Disclosure

Authors report no conflict of interest.

References

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