Hemoptysis due to ruptured lung abscess successfully treated by exploratory thoracoscopy: report of a case

Abstract

Abstract Background Ruptured lung abscess is rare and a serious medical concern. We reported a rare case of exploratory thoracoscopy for hemoptysis and empyema due to ruptured lung abscess. Case A 49-year-old man visited our hospital due to hemoptysis. Chest CT showed a left empyema due to ruptured lung abscess in the left lower lobe. Exploratory thoracoscopy revealed thoracic empyema with bronchopleural fistula, and thoracotomy was performed and curettage for empyema cavity, and closure of bronchopleural fistula was done. It was closed by sutures with polyglycolic-acid sheet as a pledget and covered with thickened pleura. A pneumonia and a small cavity, which seemed to be aspiration, were found on the healthy side, and the patient is being closely followed up. Conclusion We encountered a surgical case of ruptured lung abscess that is a cause of hemoptysis, and postoperative course was uneventful. Exploratory thoracoscopy was effective in confirming the fistula.