Enigmatic Contralateral Hemothorax after Left Thoracotomy

Abstract

Intrathoracic hemorrhage following surgical intervention that needs rethoracotomy has a low rate in the daily practice of thoracic surgery. Hemothorax in the contralateral site is definitely unexpected after thoracotomy. We present a case of contralateral hematoma after left posterolateral thoracotomy as a rare and enigmatic complication. (Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2009; 15: 336-338)