- Massive bleeding due to injury of major vessels, particularly caused by tumor infiltration or inflammatory adherent lymph nodes
- By compression using a swab, the situation can usually be controlled to the extent that, under continuous compression, the transition to thoracotomy can be managed in a controlled manner without excessive blood loss. This allows for the notification of anesthesia, preparation of additional instruments, and, if necessary, the organization of adequate assistance. Blind clamping and suturing attempts generally increase the damage.
- Injury to the contralateral pleura
- Especially during the dissection of infracarinal lymph nodes at station 7, an unnoticed opening of the contralateral mediastinal pleura can lead to tension pneumothorax. It is important to recognize the situation and either open the pleura widely or insert a chest drain on the opposite side.
- Injury to the vagus nerve, phrenic nerve, and recurrent laryngeal nerve
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Intraoperative Complications
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Postoperative Complications
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Myocardial infarction
- Rebleeding with hemothorax
- Pneumonia, with respiratory insufficiency
- Mediastinitis