Intrathoracic Complications and Difficult Treatment Journey Resulting from Gunshot Wound 40 Years Ago
Abstract
A patient who underwent parenchymal repair with a thoracotomy due to a close-range shotgun wound to the left anterior chest wall 40 years ago was recommended for surgery due to suspicious lesions showing a mass and abscess-like formation in the lung when he presented with a cough complaint. During the surgery, sponge material from the previous procedure was identified, and primary parenchymal repair was performed. Later, resistant empyema and bronchopleural fistula were observed. Therefore, a destroyed lung developed, and a left pneumonectomy was required. In this article, we aimed to describe our case in which a small perioperative carelessness led to vital organ loss and a long and difficult treatment process, and the successful treatment process.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Trauma Management and Diagnosis
Pleural and Pulmonary Diseases
Pneumothorax
Barotrauma
Emphysema
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Case Reports
- Volume
- 34
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 33–37
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN