Removal of a needle from the pleural space by video-assisted throcoscopy: An unusual encounter in practice

Abstract

Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS), a minimally invasive surgical technique, has assumed a major role to play in the diagnosis and treatment of certain pleural and pulmonary parenchymal diseases. It is gaining popularity and being increasingly used in the management of thoracic trauma, thoracic surgeries, and pleural diseases. Another rare indication for its use, which is less reported in the literature, is the removal of retained intrathoracic foreign bodies. We report a case highlighting the use of VATS for the removal of retained sewing needle from the pleural cavity of a hemodynamically stable patient, thus evading the need for thoracotomy.