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

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  • 1

    Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) offers advantages like minimal trauma and reduced postoperative pain compared to traditional open thoracotomy.

  • 2

    Splenic rupture is a rare but life-threatening complication that can occur during VATS procedures involving the left thoracic cavity.

  • 3

    A 69-year-old male patient experienced hemodynamic instability during VATS for empyema clearance, leading to intraoperative exploration.

  • 4

    Post-procedural FAST confirmed splenic rupture, which was managed promptly, resulting in the patient's full recovery.

  • 5

    Early bedside FAST should be performed when refractory shock occurs during VATS to identify potential complications like splenic rupture.

Original Source(s)

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

  • by Jinming Yao, Yan Xin, Xianzhen Liu

  • July 20, 2026

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