Traumatic Evisceration of the Lung without Pneumothorax

Abstract

Evisceration of the lung is a very rare consequence of chest trauma and is not well described in the literature; it is defined as herniation of the pulmonary parenchyma without pleural sac or skin coverage. The rise in both travel and wars can determine an increase in its incidence, and as a result it is important to identify its pathologic, clinical and therapeutic aspects. Lung evisceration is a hernia associated with complex bone fractures of the anterior chest wall, and it may or may not be associated with pneumothorax and bleeding from the internal mammary artery. Clinical presentation ranges from stable respiratory condition to respiratory distress syndrome. Surgery is mandatory and repair must avoid the use of prosthetic materials; any reduction of the hernia must be avoided before surgery.