Abstract
Background. Previous reports have described bronchial obstruction after left pneumonectomy (so-called postpneumonectomy syndrome) in the presence of a right aortic arch with the bronchus being compressed between the ascending aorta and thoracic spine. This study reports on 4 patients with left postpneumonectomy syndrome in the presence of a normally located left aortic arch and ascending thoracic aorta. Methods. The case histories of 4 patients with this syndrome were reviewed and several features common to all 4 were noted. In each case, the obstruction was thought to be due to a clockwise rotation of the mediastinum with bronchial compression occurring between the right main pulmonary artery and thoracic spine. Results. Three patients were treated by repositioning of the mediastinum, and all 3 obtained relief of their dyspnea. In these cases, permanent repositioning was ensured by the insertion of a prosthesis filled with saline solution. The fourth patient was successfully treated by resection of a portion of the adjacent thoracic vertebra. Conclusions. Postpneumonectomy syndrome can occur after a left pneumonectomy in the absence of a right aortic arch. We suggest that mediastinal repositioning with a prosthesis filled with saline solution is simple, is safe, and results in complete relief of preoperative symptoms.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1627-1631 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Annals of Thoracic Surgery |
Volume | 62 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1996 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine