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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Developed Gel-like Substance In Lungs After Hospitalization For Fractured Ribs And Sternum

My nephew's 12 yr old son was hospitalized with 2 fractured ribs & a fractured sternum. He has developed a gel-like substance in his lungs & a procedure will be performed tomorrow to determine what it is. He has some issues with his lungs earlier today & they were unable to insert a tube because of the substance.
Mon, 22 Jun 2015
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Welcome to healthcare magic for your health concerns
I am Dr Fahim and I will looking into your problem

I have gone through your question and understood your concerns. After rib and sternum fracture he would have developed hemothorax (collection of blood in the pleural space). It is usually managed with inserting tube in the pleural space called tube thoracostomy. Some blood remains un-drained and results in clot formation, called a retained clot; to which you are referring as a gel like substance in the lungs. It is then evacuated with VATS (Video Assisted Thoraco- Scopy), otherwise it will result in empyema ( pus formation ) and fibro-thorax. VATS is established and safe procedure, I think It will do the job for him, and he will better soon.

I hope my answer will help you. Do rate it if you like it.
Regards
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Developed Gel-like Substance In Lungs After Hospitalization For Fractured Ribs And Sternum

Welcome to healthcare magic for your health concerns I am Dr Fahim and I will looking into your problem I have gone through your question and understood your concerns. After rib and sternum fracture he would have developed hemothorax (collection of blood in the pleural space). It is usually managed with inserting tube in the pleural space called tube thoracostomy. Some blood remains un-drained and results in clot formation, called a retained clot; to which you are referring as a gel like substance in the lungs. It is then evacuated with VATS (Video Assisted Thoraco- Scopy), otherwise it will result in empyema ( pus formation ) and fibro-thorax. VATS is established and safe procedure, I think It will do the job for him, and he will better soon. I hope my answer will help you. Do rate it if you like it. Regards