To be a surgeon may be life saving

Abstract

In the first 24 h after multiple rib fractures, a life-threatening massive hemothorax is very rare but can cause death at home in cases who have been discharged. A 50-year-old male general surgeon, was admitted to the emergency unit after a motorcycle accident. Multiple rib fractures were diagnosed but no hemopneumothorax or hemodynamic instability were observed. After 24 h of observation, he was discharged. On the fifth day at home he was woken by symptoms of acute massive hemothorax. With the assistance of his wife he commenced intravenous fluid resuscitation to treat his own hemodynamic instability and transferred himself to his own hospital via ambulance where he subsequently underwent thoracotomy for arrest of haemorrhage. Late development of a massive hemopneumothorax after multiple rib fractures is rare, but may be a life-threatening risk. Such patients should be more closely followed up and informed about symptoms and treatment.