title: Massive right hemothorax as the source of hemorrhagic shock after laparoscopic cholecystectomy - case report of a rare intraoperative complication.
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.
authors: Thoracic Surgery Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42100 - Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. cristian.rapicetta@asmn.re.it.
authors: Rapicetta
authors: R
authors: Cristian
authors: Paci
authors: P
authors: Massimiliano
authors: Ricchetti
authors: R
authors: Tommaso
authors: Tenconi
authors: T
authors: Sara
authors: Biolchini
authors: B
authors: Federico
authors: Belluzzi
authors: B
authors: Emilio
authors: Sgarbi
authors: S
authors: Giorgio
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