Cough-Induced Intercostal Lung Herniation Requiring Surgery: Report of a Case

Lung herniation is a rare event defined by protrusion of the lung through an abnormal weakness in the thoracic wall. We report a case of spontaneous intercostal pulmonary herniation, which occurred as a result of vigorous coughing. We repaired the herniation by approximating the ribs with heavy stitches. The mechanism of intercostal muscle disruption, and the etiology and treatment of lung herniations, are discussed.