Paralysis of the Upper Rectus Abdominis Muscle After Video-Assisted or Open Thoracic Surgery: An Underdiagnosed Complication?

Abstract

In open or video-assisted thoracic surgery, injury to one to four intercostal sensory nerves is a well-recognized complication. This nerve damage is a well-defined cause for chronic postoperative pain. In this discussion, the motor innervation of the rectus abdominis muscle with the T7 to T12 intercostal nerves has been neglected. Paralysis of rectus abdominis might pose significant burden on patients, delay recovery, and thus warrants exploration.