Bronchial valve treatment for pulmonary air leak after anatomical lung resection for cancer.
A persistent post-operative pulmonary expiratory air leak after an anatomical pulmonary resection is usually managed conservatively, but can be associated with significant morbidity and increased costs. The use of bronchial valves is a minimally invasive method that may be an effective and safe treatment in this setting. In a prospective study, the clinical efficacy of intrabronchial valve treatment in patients with a prolonged persistent pulmonary air leak after anatomical surgical resection for cancer was investigated. 10 out of 277 patients with anatomical pulmonary resection for cancer were included, and 90% were scheduled for valve treatment. We demonstrated an air leak cessation at a median of 2 days after valve placement, which resulted in chest tube removal at a median of 4 days after valve placement. Elective removal of the intrabronchial valves could be safely planned 3 weeks after valve implantation. Lung function alteration associated with airway occlusion by valves was limited. Intrabronchial valve treatment with the aid of a digital thoracic drainage system is an effective and safe therapy for patients with a prolonged pulmonary air leak after anatomical lung resection for cancer.
University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven.
Christophe A
CA
Dooms
Herbert
H
Decaluwe
Jonas
J
Yserbyt
Paul
P
De Leyn
Dirk
D
Van Raemdonck
Vincent
V
Ninane
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001980:Bronchi / Q000473:pathology*; D015505:Chest Tubes; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000601:surgery*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome