Lung Hernia as a Sequela to Limited-Access Mitral Valve Surgery

We report a case of a 36-year-old man who developed a lung hernia after a minimally invasive mitral valve repair. Lung hernias are uncommon. Most are acquired and may be classified as traumatic, spontaneous, pathologic, or postoperative. In theory, minimal-access surgical techniques should decrease the likelihood of herniation, in comparison with open thoracotomy. Our review of the literature revealed only 2 reports of this sequela in association with this surgical procedure. Repair was performed due to persistent symptoms, including pleurisy and dyspnea, and interference with the patient's daily activities. Surgical repair led to complete resolution of these problems. (Tex Heart Inst J 2002;29:203–5)