A case of delayed massive hemothorax due to diaphragm injury caused by rib fracture

Abstract

We report a case of delayed massive hemothorax due to diaphragm injury caused by a lower rib fracture. A 22-year-old male was admitted to our hospital for the treatment of hypovolemic shock on the 37^th day after the initial event, involving left multiple rib fractures. As transcatheter arterial embolization was not sufficient to stop the bleeding in the left chest cavity, an emergency operation was performed employing VATS. An about 15-mm diaphragm laceration was found and repaired with a nonabsorbable polypropylene suture. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 12^th day after the operation.