Novel fixation technique for the surgical repair of lung hernias.

Abstract

We describe a novel technique for dealing with the rare complication of post-traumatic or post-thoracotomy lung herniation. The method uses techniques and fixation devices that have been developed for stabilization and fixation of the spine and surgical management of scoliosis. It allows for a secure, reliable, and easily reproducible fixation of the chest-wall in patients with large intercostal lung hernias using standard spinal instruments.