Severe Post Traumatic Intercostal Surgical Hernia Repaired: A Case Report

Case Report

Severe Post Traumatic Intercostal Surgical Hernia Repaired: A Case Report

  • David Douglas Banga Nkomo 1,2
  • Aubin Sandio 1*
  • Sandra Yakan 1
  • Linda Mokam Ngantchou 1
  • Casimir Fankem 1
  • Amel Tilbaut Tanon Ngoufo 2
  • Isabelle Ineza 1
  • Louis Joss Bitang 1
  • William Ngatchou 3,4

*Corresponding Author: Aubin Sandio, MD, MPH Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Citation: David Douglas Banga Nkomo, Aubin Sandio, Sandra Yakan, Linda Mokam Ngantchou, Casimir Fankem. et all (2023). Severe Post Traumatic Intercostal Surgical Hernia Repaired: A Case Report. J. Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, 6(3); DOI:10.31579/2641-0419/301

Copyright: © 2023 Aubin Sandio, This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Received: 27 January 2023 | Accepted: 14 March 2023 | Published: 31 March 2023

Keywords: intercostal hernia; chest trauma; surgical repair; thoracotomy

Abstract

Intercostal hernia is defined as a protrusion of the lung parenchyma and or pleura through a defect in the intercostal muscles between adjacent ribs. It is a rare condition, usually asymptomatic, in most cases acquired following a chest trauma or following a chest surgery, and whom diagnostic is clinical. Intercostal hernia may be managed by a surgical repair or not. The decision to operate May considered the size of the hernia, the symptoms, and the patient’s comorbid conditions. We report a case of intercostal hernia occurring after penetrating chest trauma, and successfully treated surgically by thoracotomy in our center.

Introduction

Intercostal hernia is defined as a protrusion of the lung parenchyma and or pleura through a defect in the intercostal muscles between adjacent ribs [1]. It can be congenital or acquired. When intercostal hernia is acquired, it can be iatrogenic, especially after thoracic surgery or it can be secondary to chest trauma [2]. Often asymptomatic, intercostal hernia is clinically revealed by a bulging mass, protruding through the chest wall. [3]. in some case, surgical repair is the appropriate treatment. We report a case of this rare clinical condition occurring after thoracic trauma, and successfully treated surgically in our center

Case Presentation

A 74-year-old man consult in our clinic, for an impulsive swelling, on coughing, located at the external lateral border of the right pectoralis major muscle, associated with a lapping sensation that had been evolving for about 3 months. Four months earlier, that man was stabled with a knife, at that part of the chest, as well as in the lateral side of the right and left forearms. He sustained a longitudinal linear and deep wound of about 7 cm long, on the lateral border of right pectoralis major. He also sustained multiple minor wounds on both forearms. All that wounds was sutured and later on, evolved to scar formation. One month later, the patient noticed a gradual and progressively enlarged swelling at the right pectoral region, especially on coughing.

This painless swelling was formerly associated with a sensation of lapping in the right hemi thorax as well as an effort dyspnea stage 2 of Sadoul. At his examination, the swelling was a bulging mass, protruding through the chest wall during coughing, or at the Valsalva maneuver (Figure 1)

 

  1. Before a Vasalva maneuver
  2. During Vasalva maneuver, resulting in a bulging mass, protruding through the chest wall

Figure 1: Clinical view of the chest of the patient

A chest X-ray followed by a thoracic CT scan was performed. They reveal a right hydro pneumothorax, and the second one revealed almost a rib fracture with a bone defect at the level of the tumefaction (Figure 2). The diagnosis of intercostal hernia will be retained as well as the indication of a surgical repair.

Figure 2: Computed tomography showing one of the intercostal muscular defect and rib fracture (Arrow in blue).

He was operated on by thoracotomy, during which, in addition to the bone defect causing a costal pseudarthrosis, a muscular defect on two intercostal spaces of about 3 cm in diameter each, on either side of the bone defect, was also noticed (Figure 3). 

a- Operative view of the intercostal muscular defect 

b- Operative view of the rib fracture

c- Postoperative after muscular defect repaired with prosthetic mesh

Figure 3: Operative view of the intercostal hernia

In addition, a pleural effusion of about 700 cc of sero sanguineous fluid will be aspirated through the muscular-bone defect. The lung looks normal in appearance. Intercostal hernia was treated by placing a dacron prosthesis. A plasty of the pectoralis major muscle was also be performed. The surgical approach was closed with a chest tube as well as with redons positioned in the sub-muscular and subcutaneous spaces. The postoperative course was simple.

Discussion

Intercostal hernia is one of the four types of thoracic hernia according the anatomical classification made by Morel-Lavallee in 1845, including cervical lung hernia, diaphragmatic hernia and mediastinal hernia [4,5,6]. Even intercostal hernia is the most frequent of those four types, it remains a very rare clinical entity as there is less than one thousand cases reported on the literature, since the first case of thoracic hernia reported by Rolland and al, in 1499 [1,7]. There is an etiological classification made by Minai and al. According that classification, the etiology of intercostal hernia can be congenital or acquired. Nevertheless, the most common etiology is the traumatic one [8,9].

Unlike our patient who presented with shortness of breath, patients with intercostal hernia as well as patients with thoracic hernia are commonly asymptomatic. However, several patients may report pain, persistent cough, shortness of breath and often hemoptysis [10]. The diagnostic of intercostal hernia is clinical, based on the identification of a bulging mass of the chest, accentuated by Valsalva maneuver [2]. Imaging modalities may be useful to diagnose associated injuries or the status of the underlying lung. 

Considered therapeutic management there is no consensus about. Conservative management and surgical management can be both considered. The decision, even usually made case by case, may always considered the size of the hernia which will allow the possibility of spontaneous healing, the symptoms (pain, dyspnea), the risk of parenchyma incarceration, and the patient’s comorbid conditions [11,12]

In the literature review, for patient who have undergone surgical repair different procedures have been found in the literature ranging from chest wall reconstruction with or without prosthetic material to rib fixation and lung resection. Due to this wide range of procedures, Kuckelman and al describe a new classification (Traumatic Rib Cage Hernias (TRCH) grading system), based on the severity of the chest wall defect [13]. According to that classification our patient which present with intercostal muscle tear, of average 2 cm width, associated to one simple non-displaced adjacent rib fractures and none organ herniation must be classified on grade 1, and must benefited of rib plating spanning defect, prosthetic mesh reinforced repair of soft tissue defect. The surgical approach of the area of chest wall defect is always a direct approach as for our patient. A thoracotomy or minimally invasive approach can be considered when a lung resection is required [11]. Rib fractures can be repair with screwed plates or sutured with steels wires. The chest wall soft tissue defect can be repaired by primary closure, by implantation of a prosthetic mesh or by muscle flaps [14,15]. 

The outcome of surgical repaired intercostal hernia is usually good, as there is no reported mortality and morbidity. 

Conclusion

Intercostal hernia is a clinical rare condition, usually asymptomatic, in most cases acquired and secondary to traumatism or following chest surgery, whom diagnostic is clinical, and which have a good outcome. The challenge in the management of that condition is, firstly, in the taking decision to operate or not the patient, and in the choice of surgical approach as well as in the choice of the procedure to perform. Thus, the decision to operate shall considered the size of the hernia, the symptoms, and the patient’s comorbid conditions. The procedure to perform will depend of the status of underlying lung, the associated injuries and the availability of prosthetic material.

References

Clearly Auctoresonline and particularly Psychology and Mental Health Care Journal is dedicated to improving health care services for individuals and populations. The editorial boards' ability to efficiently recognize and share the global importance of health literacy with a variety of stakeholders. Auctoresonline publishing platform can be used to facilitate of optimal client-based services and should be added to health care professionals' repertoire of evidence-based health care resources.

img

Virginia E. Koenig

Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Intervention The submission and review process was adequate. However I think that the publication total value should have been enlightened in early fases. Thank you for all.

img

Delcio G Silva Junior

Journal of Women Health Care and Issues By the present mail, I want to say thank to you and tour colleagues for facilitating my published article. Specially thank you for the peer review process, support from the editorial office. I appreciate positively the quality of your journal.

img

Ziemlé Clément Méda

Journal of Clinical Research and Reports I would be very delighted to submit my testimonial regarding the reviewer board and the editorial office. The reviewer board were accurate and helpful regarding any modifications for my manuscript. And the editorial office were very helpful and supportive in contacting and monitoring with any update and offering help. It was my pleasure to contribute with your promising Journal and I am looking forward for more collaboration.

img

Mina Sherif Soliman Georgy

We would like to thank the Journal of Thoracic Disease and Cardiothoracic Surgery because of the services they provided us for our articles. The peer-review process was done in a very excellent time manner, and the opinions of the reviewers helped us to improve our manuscript further. The editorial office had an outstanding correspondence with us and guided us in many ways. During a hard time of the pandemic that is affecting every one of us tremendously, the editorial office helped us make everything easier for publishing scientific work. Hope for a more scientific relationship with your Journal.

img

Layla Shojaie

The peer-review process which consisted high quality queries on the paper. I did answer six reviewers’ questions and comments before the paper was accepted. The support from the editorial office is excellent.

img

Sing-yung Wu

Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. I had the experience of publishing a research article recently. The whole process was simple from submission to publication. The reviewers made specific and valuable recommendations and corrections that improved the quality of my publication. I strongly recommend this Journal.

img

Orlando Villarreal

Dr. Katarzyna Byczkowska My testimonial covering: "The peer review process is quick and effective. The support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly. Quality of the Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on cardiology that is useful for other professionals in the field.

img

Katarzyna Byczkowska

Thank you most sincerely, with regard to the support you have given in relation to the reviewing process and the processing of my article entitled "Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of The Prostate Gland: A Review and Update" for publication in your esteemed Journal, Journal of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics". The editorial team has been very supportive.

img

Anthony Kodzo-Grey Venyo

Testimony of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: work with your Reviews has been a educational and constructive experience. The editorial office were very helpful and supportive. It was a pleasure to contribute to your Journal.

img

Pedro Marques Gomes

Dr. Bernard Terkimbi Utoo, I am happy to publish my scientific work in Journal of Women Health Care and Issues (JWHCI). The manuscript submission was seamless and peer review process was top notch. I was amazed that 4 reviewers worked on the manuscript which made it a highly technical, standard and excellent quality paper. I appreciate the format and consideration for the APC as well as the speed of publication. It is my pleasure to continue with this scientific relationship with the esteem JWHCI.

img

Bernard Terkimbi Utoo

This is an acknowledgment for peer reviewers, editorial board of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports. They show a lot of consideration for us as publishers for our research article “Evaluation of the different factors associated with side effects of COVID-19 vaccination on medical students, Mutah university, Al-Karak, Jordan”, in a very professional and easy way. This journal is one of outstanding medical journal.

img

Prof Sherif W Mansour

Dear Hao Jiang, to Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing We greatly appreciate the efficient, professional and rapid processing of our paper by your team. If there is anything else we should do, please do not hesitate to let us know. On behalf of my co-authors, we would like to express our great appreciation to editor and reviewers.

img

Hao Jiang

As an author who has recently published in the journal "Brain and Neurological Disorders". I am delighted to provide a testimonial on the peer review process, editorial office support, and the overall quality of the journal. The peer review process at Brain and Neurological Disorders is rigorous and meticulous, ensuring that only high-quality, evidence-based research is published. The reviewers are experts in their fields, and their comments and suggestions were constructive and helped improve the quality of my manuscript. The review process was timely and efficient, with clear communication from the editorial office at each stage. The support from the editorial office was exceptional throughout the entire process. The editorial staff was responsive, professional, and always willing to help. They provided valuable guidance on formatting, structure, and ethical considerations, making the submission process seamless. Moreover, they kept me informed about the status of my manuscript and provided timely updates, which made the process less stressful. The journal Brain and Neurological Disorders is of the highest quality, with a strong focus on publishing cutting-edge research in the field of neurology. The articles published in this journal are well-researched, rigorously peer-reviewed, and written by experts in the field. The journal maintains high standards, ensuring that readers are provided with the most up-to-date and reliable information on brain and neurological disorders. In conclusion, I had a wonderful experience publishing in Brain and Neurological Disorders. The peer review process was thorough, the editorial office provided exceptional support, and the journal's quality is second to none. I would highly recommend this journal to any researcher working in the field of neurology and brain disorders.

img

Dr Shiming Tang

Dear Agrippa Hilda, Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery, Editorial Coordinator, I trust this message finds you well. I want to extend my appreciation for considering my article for publication in your esteemed journal. I am pleased to provide a testimonial regarding the peer review process and the support received from your editorial office. The peer review process for my paper was carried out in a highly professional and thorough manner. The feedback and comments provided by the authors were constructive and very useful in improving the quality of the manuscript. This rigorous assessment process undoubtedly contributes to the high standards maintained by your journal.

img

Raed Mualem

International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews. I strongly recommend to consider submitting your work to this high-quality journal. The support and availability of the Editorial staff is outstanding and the review process was both efficient and rigorous.

img

Andreas Filippaios

Thank you very much for publishing my Research Article titled “Comparing Treatment Outcome Of Allergic Rhinitis Patients After Using Fluticasone Nasal Spray And Nasal Douching" in the Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology. As Medical Professionals we are immensely benefited from study of various informative Articles and Papers published in this high quality Journal. I look forward to enriching my knowledge by regular study of the Journal and contribute my future work in the field of ENT through the Journal for use by the medical fraternity. The support from the Editorial office was excellent and very prompt. I also welcome the comments received from the readers of my Research Article.

img

Dr Suramya Dhamija

Dear Erica Kelsey, Editorial Coordinator of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics Our team is very satisfied with the processing of our paper by your journal. That was fast, efficient, rigorous, but without unnecessary complications. We appreciated the very short time between the submission of the paper and its publication on line on your site.

img

Bruno Chauffert

I am very glad to say that the peer review process is very successful and fast and support from the Editorial Office. Therefore, I would like to continue our scientific relationship for a long time. And I especially thank you for your kindly attention towards my article. Have a good day!

img

Baheci Selen

"We recently published an article entitled “Influence of beta-Cyclodextrins upon the Degradation of Carbofuran Derivatives under Alkaline Conditions" in the Journal of “Pesticides and Biofertilizers” to show that the cyclodextrins protect the carbamates increasing their half-life time in the presence of basic conditions This will be very helpful to understand carbofuran behaviour in the analytical, agro-environmental and food areas. We greatly appreciated the interaction with the editor and the editorial team; we were particularly well accompanied during the course of the revision process, since all various steps towards publication were short and without delay".

img

Jesus Simal-Gandara

I would like to express my gratitude towards you process of article review and submission. I found this to be very fair and expedient. Your follow up has been excellent. I have many publications in national and international journal and your process has been one of the best so far. Keep up the great work.

img

Douglas Miyazaki

We are grateful for this opportunity to provide a glowing recommendation to the Journal of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. We found that the editorial team were very supportive, helpful, kept us abreast of timelines and over all very professional in nature. The peer review process was rigorous, efficient and constructive that really enhanced our article submission. The experience with this journal remains one of our best ever and we look forward to providing future submissions in the near future.

img

Dr Griffith

I am very pleased to serve as EBM of the journal, I hope many years of my experience in stem cells can help the journal from one way or another. As we know, stem cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine, which are mostly used to promote the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. I think Stem Cell Research and Therapeutics International is a great platform to publish and share the understanding towards the biology and translational or clinical application of stem cells.

img

Dr Tong Ming Liu

I would like to give my testimony in the support I have got by the peer review process and to support the editorial office where they were of asset to support young author like me to be encouraged to publish their work in your respected journal and globalize and share knowledge across the globe. I really give my great gratitude to your journal and the peer review including the editorial office.

img

Husain Taha Radhi

I am delighted to publish our manuscript entitled "A Perspective on Cocaine Induced Stroke - Its Mechanisms and Management" in the Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. The peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal are excellent. The manuscripts published are of high quality and of excellent scientific value. I recommend this journal very much to colleagues.

img

S Munshi

Dr.Tania Muñoz, My experience as researcher and author of a review article in The Journal Clinical Cardiology and Interventions has been very enriching and stimulating. The editorial team is excellent, performs its work with absolute responsibility and delivery. They are proactive, dynamic and receptive to all proposals. Supporting at all times the vast universe of authors who choose them as an option for publication. The team of review specialists, members of the editorial board, are brilliant professionals, with remarkable performance in medical research and scientific methodology. Together they form a frontline team that consolidates the JCCI as a magnificent option for the publication and review of high-level medical articles and broad collective interest. I am honored to be able to share my review article and open to receive all your comments.

img

Tania Munoz

“The peer review process of JPMHC is quick and effective. Authors are benefited by good and professional reviewers with huge experience in the field of psychology and mental health. The support from the editorial office is very professional. People to contact to are friendly and happy to help and assist any query authors might have. Quality of the Journal is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on mental health that is useful for other professionals in the field”.

img

George Varvatsoulias

Dear editorial department: On behalf of our team, I hereby certify the reliability and superiority of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews in the peer review process, editorial support, and journal quality. Firstly, the peer review process of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is rigorous, fair, transparent, fast, and of high quality. The editorial department invites experts from relevant fields as anonymous reviewers to review all submitted manuscripts. These experts have rich academic backgrounds and experience, and can accurately evaluate the academic quality, originality, and suitability of manuscripts. The editorial department is committed to ensuring the rigor of the peer review process, while also making every effort to ensure a fast review cycle to meet the needs of authors and the academic community. Secondly, the editorial team of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is composed of a group of senior scholars and professionals with rich experience and professional knowledge in related fields. The editorial department is committed to assisting authors in improving their manuscripts, ensuring their academic accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Editors actively collaborate with authors, providing useful suggestions and feedback to promote the improvement and development of the manuscript. We believe that the support of the editorial department is one of the key factors in ensuring the quality of the journal. Finally, the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is renowned for its high- quality articles and strict academic standards. The editorial department is committed to publishing innovative and academically valuable research results to promote the development and progress of related fields. The International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is reasonably priced and ensures excellent service and quality ratio, allowing authors to obtain high-level academic publishing opportunities in an affordable manner. I hereby solemnly declare that the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews has a high level of credibility and superiority in terms of peer review process, editorial support, reasonable fees, and journal quality. Sincerely, Rui Tao.

img

Rui Tao

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions I testity the covering of the peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal.

img

Khurram Arshad

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, we deeply appreciate the interest shown in our work and its publication. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you. The peer review process, as well as the support provided by the editorial office, have been exceptional, and the quality of the journal is very high, which was a determining factor in our decision to publish with you.

img

Gomez Barriga Maria Dolores

The peer reviewers process is quick and effective, the supports from editorial office is excellent, the quality of journal is high. I would like to collabroate with Internatioanl journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews journal clinically in the future time.

img

Lin Shaw Chin

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the trust placed in our team for the publication in your journal. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you on this project. I am pleased to inform you that both the peer review process and the attention from the editorial coordination have been excellent. Your team has worked with dedication and professionalism to ensure that your publication meets the highest standards of quality. We are confident that this collaboration will result in mutual success, and we are eager to see the fruits of this shared effort.

img

Maria Dolores Gomez Barriga

Dear Dr. Jessica Magne, Editorial Coordinator 0f Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, I hope this message finds you well. I want to express my utmost gratitude for your excellent work and for the dedication and speed in the publication process of my article titled "Navigating Innovation: Qualitative Insights on Using Technology for Health Education in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients." I am very satisfied with the peer review process, the support from the editorial office, and the quality of the journal. I hope we can maintain our scientific relationship in the long term.

img

Dr Maria Dolores Gomez Barriga

Dear Monica Gissare, - Editorial Coordinator of Nutrition and Food Processing. ¨My testimony with you is truly professional, with a positive response regarding the follow-up of the article and its review, you took into account my qualities and the importance of the topic¨.

img

Dr Maria Regina Penchyna Nieto

Dear Dr. Jessica Magne, Editorial Coordinator 0f Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, The review process for the article “The Handling of Anti-aggregants and Anticoagulants in the Oncologic Heart Patient Submitted to Surgery” was extremely rigorous and detailed. From the initial submission to the final acceptance, the editorial team at the “Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions” demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication. The reviewers provided constructive and detailed feedback, which was essential for improving the quality of our work. Communication was always clear and efficient, ensuring that all our questions were promptly addressed. The quality of the “Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions” is undeniable. It is a peer-reviewed, open-access publication dedicated exclusively to disseminating high-quality research in the field of clinical cardiology and cardiovascular interventions. The journal's impact factor is currently under evaluation, and it is indexed in reputable databases, which further reinforces its credibility and relevance in the scientific field. I highly recommend this journal to researchers looking for a reputable platform to publish their studies.

img

Dr Marcelo Flavio Gomes Jardim Filho

Dear Editorial Coordinator of the Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing! "I would like to thank the Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing for including and publishing my article. The peer review process was very quick, movement and precise. The Editorial Board has done an extremely conscientious job with much help, valuable comments and advices. I find the journal very valuable from a professional point of view, thank you very much for allowing me to be part of it and I would like to participate in the future!”

img

Zsuzsanna Bene

Dealing with The Journal of Neurology and Neurological Surgery was very smooth and comprehensive. The office staff took time to address my needs and the response from editors and the office was prompt and fair. I certainly hope to publish with this journal again.Their professionalism is apparent and more than satisfactory. Susan Weiner

img

Dr Susan Weiner

My Testimonial Covering as fellowing: Lin-Show Chin. The peer reviewers process is quick and effective, the supports from editorial office is excellent, the quality of journal is high. I would like to collabroate with Internatioanl journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews.

img

Lin-Show Chin

My experience publishing in Psychology and Mental Health Care was exceptional. The peer review process was rigorous and constructive, with reviewers providing valuable insights that helped enhance the quality of our work. The editorial team was highly supportive and responsive, making the submission process smooth and efficient. The journal's commitment to high standards and academic rigor makes it a respected platform for quality research. I am grateful for the opportunity to publish in such a reputable journal.

img

Sonila Qirko

My experience publishing in International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews was exceptional. I Come forth to Provide a Testimonial Covering the Peer Review Process and the editorial office for the Professional and Impartial Evaluation of the Manuscript.

img

Luiz Sellmann