Case Report: Occult splenic rupture during left-sided VATS decortication: diagnostic role of early perioperative FAST - Report - MDSpire

Case Study: Hidden Splenic Rupture Identified During Left-Sided VATS Decortication: The Importance of Early Perioperative FAST Diagnostics

  • By

  • Jinming Yao

  • Yan Xin

  • Xianzhen Liu

  • July 20, 2026

Share

Clinical Report: Hidden Splenic Rupture Identified During Left-Sided VATS Decortication

Overview

This case study highlights the occurrence of splenic rupture during video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for empyema clearance.

Background

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is increasingly preferred for thoracic procedures due to its minimally invasive nature. However, splenic rupture, although rare, poses a significant risk during left-sided VATS procedures.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data was provided in the article.

Key Findings

  • A 69-year-old male patient experienced hemodynamic instability during VATS for left-sided empyema clearance.
  • Intraoperative exploration did not reveal an obvious source of bleeding.
  • Post-procedural FAST confirmed splenic rupture, which was managed promptly.
  • The patient fully recovered and was discharged 17 days after surgery.

Clinical Implications

The case emphasizes the necessity of performing early FAST diagnostics in patients experiencing hemodynamic instability during VATS.

Conclusion

This case highlights the occurrence of splenic rupture during VATS procedures.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  2. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  3. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  4. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  5. British Thoracic Society Guideline for pleural disease | Thorax
  6. ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines
  7. British Thoracic Society Guideline for pleural disease | Thorax
  8. ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines
  9. Frontiers | Delayed splenic rupture following video-assisted thoracoscopic left upper lobectomy: a case report and literature review

Original Source(s)

Related Content