Use of sealants to reduce air leaks duration and hospital stay after lung resection

Parenchymal air leak is the most common complication after lung resection. It occurs in 48%1 to 70%2 of patients in large series. Prolonged parenchymal air leaks persisting over 7 days have been reported to have an incidence of 15-18%.3-5 The risk of prolonged air leak increases when interlobar fissures are incomplete, and in patients with emphysematous lung. Furthermore, the presence of poor predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume during the first second, pleural adhesions and upper lobe resections have been found to be predictors of prolonged air leaks in large retrospective studies.3 Persisting air leaks have a detrimental effect on the postoperative course resulting in a longer need for chest tube drainage, with associated pain, reduced mobility and increased risk of further complications.6 This is associated with prolonged hospital stay and higher costs of care, with the need for additional inpatient and outpatient resources.