Lung hernia - a review.

Lung hernia is a protrusion of lung tissue through one of its bounding structures. This uncommon condition develops most commonly as a result of trauma or after thoracic operations. Other lung hernias, particularly supraclavicular, are congenital. Diagnosis is usually clinical, but must be confirmed by roentgenography or computed tomography. Presence of incarceration or other symptoms makes operation obligatory. Incarcerated tissue should be released promptly, but may have to be resected. For closure of a hernia defect the use of autologous tissues is recommended. When these are not available, synthetic materials are acceptable. Some hernias are asymptomatic and no treatment is necessary.