Massive chest wall bleeding 3 days after lung wedge resection caused by a protruding staple

We report a case of massive chest wall bleeding after lung wedge resection caused by a protruding staple. On the third postoperative day, the patient experienced sudden left posterior back pain without any apparent trigger, accompanied by signs of shock. Computed tomography imaging revealed a significant accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity on the side of the surgery. A reoperation was performed, during which we identified active arterial bleeding from a small vessel at the second intercostal space on the posterior chest wall. Hemostasis was achieved using electrocautery. Further examination revealed a protruding staple at the left upper lobe resection margin, which we speculated was likely causing abrasion against the chest wall and leading to the bleeding. This case reveals the potential risk posed by protruding staples. Appropriate precautions should be taken to prevent this rare but dangerous occurrence.