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. 2011 May 19;5(1):12.
doi: 10.1186/1754-9493-5-12.

Massive right hemothorax as the source of hemorrhagic shock after laparoscopic cholecystectomy - case report of a rare intraoperative complication

Rapicetta Cristian  1 , Paci Massimiliano, Ricchetti Tommaso, Tenconi Sara, Biolchini Federico, Belluzzi Emilio, Sgarbi Giorgio
Affiliations

Massive right hemothorax as the source of hemorrhagic shock after laparoscopic cholecystectomy - case report of a rare intraoperative complication

Rapicetta Cristian et al. Patient Saf Surg. .

Erratum in

Abstract

A 62-year old man was referred to our institution in hemorrhagic shock after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis, performed at an outside hospital. A chest X-ray revealed a right-sided massive pleural effusion. Urgent surgical exploration was performed through a video-assisted mini-thoracotomy which revealed active bleeding from a pleural adherence. Successful hemostasis was achieved intraoperatively and the patient had an uneventful recovery. In absence of intra-abdominal hemorrhage, a hemothorax should be considered as a potential source of major bleeding in patients who develop symptoms of hypovolemia after laparoscopic surgery.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A-B. Preoperative chest X-rays and CT-scan showing massive right pleural effusion with complete atelectasis of the lung.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Postoperative chest X-ray showing complete lung re-expansion.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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