Conservative management in iatrogenic splenic trauma after chest tube insertion

Abstract

Inserting a chest tube is a therapeutic tool of great value not without complications. Our objective is to highlight a new treatment option using interventional radiological techniques that avoid the risks of surgery in selected patients. We present the case of a multi-pathological patient with a diagnosis of left pulmonary empyema who accidentally inserted a chest tube into the splenic superior pole. The comorbidities of the patient and the presence of hemodynamic stability advocated conservative treatment through supraselective splenic catheterization and the introduction of surgical glue in the withdrawal of the tube.