Risk factors for pulmonary complications in patients with sarcoma after the resection of pulmonary nodules by thoracotomy.

Objective: To identify the risk factors for pulmonary complications after thoracotomy for the resection of pulmonary nodules in patients with sarcoma.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study involving 68 consecutive patients diagnosed with sarcoma and submitted to a total of 174 thoracotomies for the resection of pulmonary nodules. The dependent variable was defined as the occurrence of any postoperative pulmonary complications.

Massive gas embolism during pulmonary nodule hook wire localization.

The locaization of pulmonary nodules by the hook wire technique has allowed accurate resection of small and nonsuperficial pulmonary nodules by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Hook wire localization has been shown efficacious and safe with principal complications limited to pneumothorax, wire dislocation, and localized intrapulmonary hemorrhage. We report a case of massive gas embolism complicating this procedure.