A Cluster of Teflon Pledgets Manifesting as an Intrathoracic Cavitary Mass following Lung Resection

Abstract

Teflon pledgets are widely used for hemostasis and the reinforcement of friable tissue in surgery. However, rare but serious complications caused by the erosion of Teflon pledgets have been reported. We present an unusual case of an intrathoracic cavitary mass that was formed by the erosion of a cluster of Teflon pledgets into the lung parenchyma eight years after a lung resection.

Key words

Lung surgery - foreign body - bronchus

References

• 1 Baladas H G, Smith G S, Richardson M A, Dempsey M B, Falk G L. Esophagogastric fistula secondary to Teflon pledget: a rare complication following laparoscopic fundoplication.  Dis Esophagus. 2000;  13 72-74
• 2 Borst H G. Dire consequences of the indiscriminate use of Teflon felt pledgets.  J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1987;  94 442-443
• 3 Conn K S, Dunning J J, Pillai R. Extrusion of Teflon aortic pledgets from a sternal wound six years after cardiac surgery.  Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 1997;  12 150-153
• 4 Cholhan H J, Stevenson K R. Sling transection of urethra: a rare complication.  Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 1996;  7 331-334
• 5 Monteforte C A, Queirazza R, Franceschatti P, Herbst T J. Fistula formation after implanting an ePTFE membrane. A case report.  J Reprod Med. 1997;  42 184-187
• 6 Okubo K, Kurahashi Y. Foreign-body excretion through the bronchial stump after extrapleural pneumonectomy.  J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2005;  129 449-450
• 7 Precht L M, Vallières E. Bronchial obstruction due to Teflon pledgets migration 13 years after lobectomy.  Ann Thorac Surg. 2008;  85 2116-2118