title: Pleural flap to prevent lobar torsion: A novel technique.
abstract: Lobar torsion is reported as very rare but sometimes catastrophic complication if overlooked during the early postoperative period following a lobectomy, though it is totally preventable. In this novel technique, a piece of parietal pleural flap is harvested from the posterior wall of the chest using a hook diathermy while keeping its upper border as close to the apex as possible. Finally, distal end of the flap is secured to the upper edge of the lobe using a fine monofilament absorbable suture. This procedure not only protects the lobe from rotation but also maintains continuous expansion of the lung in the early postoperative period and may, therefore, be a good option to prevent such a serious complication in selected patients following a lobectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sureyyapasa Chest and Cardiovascular Diseases Teaching and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. cakutlu@tnn.net
authors.forename: Cemal Asim
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Kutlu
authors.forename: Guven
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Olgac
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010994:Pleura / Q000637:transplantation*; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014102:Torsion Abnormality / Q000517:prevention & control