Use of tissue expanders in adult postpneumonectomy syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
Mediastinal shift and rotation after pneumonectomy can lead to severe symptomatic airway compression. Historically, a variety of treatments, such as muscle-flap transposition, pericardial fixation, and plombage, have been used. In this study we retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of intrathoracic tissue expansion in postpneumonectomy syndrome.


METHODS
Since 1990, our center has used tissue expanders as plombage in patients with postpneumonectomy syndrome. Between 1990 and 2005, a total of 20 patients were treated. The outcome was evaluated by using preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative bronchoscopy and imaging studies. Patient satisfaction was determined with a validated questionnaire.


RESULTS
In 19 of the 20 patients, up to 3 tissue expanders were placed and filled within the pleural cavity. Access to the pleural cavity could not be obtained in 1 patient because of adhesions. Perioperative and postoperative bronchoscopic scans demonstrated decompression of the left main bronchus in 16 (84%) of 19 patients. On discharge, all patients reported improvement of their respiratory symptoms. Six (32%) patients required reoperation because of herniation (n = 2), luxation (n = 1), inadequate positioning (n = 2), and leakage of the tissue expander (n = 4). In 4 patients additional filling was performed in the outpatient clinic, with immediate improvement of respiratory distress.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of tissue expanders in adults with postpneumonectomy syndrome is an effective means of decompressing the remaining bronchus, thereby leading to a significant improvement in respiratory symptoms. Although 32% of patients required reoperation for complications, each complication was readily correctable.
Macaré van Maurik
Anne Floor M
AF
Department of Plastic Surgery, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands. annefloor@hotmail.com
Stubenitsky
Bart M
BM
van Swieten
Henry A
HA
Duurkens
Vincent A M
VA
Laban
Erik
E
Kon
Moshe
M
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008482:Mediastinum / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013577:Syndrome; D015625:Tissue Expansion Devices