Asymptomatic expectoration of surgical staples complicating lung volume reduction surgery.

Ahmed, S; Marzouk, K A; Bhuiya, T A; Iqbal, M; Rossoff, L J · Chest · 2001

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) has recently been introduced as a palliative treatment for patients with severe emphysema. The most common postoperative complication is persistent air leak requiring prolonged tube thoracostomy. We describe a unique case of a patient with severe emphysema who underwent LVRS and presented, about a year later, with the repeated expectoration of surgical staples.

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