Intrathoracic Migration of a Silicone Breast Implant After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

© 2013 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Published by Elsevier Inc underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic right middle lobectomy with use of a camera port, an instrument port, and a 1.5-cm access incision in the axilla with no rib spreading. The pathologic appearance was consistent with a carcinoid tumor. Six months later the patient noticed that her “right breast was gone.” Computed tomography of the chest revealed intrathoracic migration of the right breast implant with suspected rupture (Fig 2, asterisk). The patient was taken back to the operating room and underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic removal of the breast implant (Fig 3). The Remaining free silicone was removed with iced saline-soaked sponges. The axillary defect was identified as the site of implant herniation and was closed with a prosthetic mesh. The patient had an unremarkable recovery. Intrathoracic herniation of a breast implant has been reported in association with open thoracotomy [1]. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case after a videoassisted thoracoscopic surgical procedure. Closing the intercostal defect can be considered to prevent such a complication.