Risk factors and outcomes of prolonged air leak after pulmonary resections

Abstract

PurposeProlonged air leak (PAL) is a challenging complication in thoracic surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of PAL.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 319 patients treated in a single center submitted to lobectomy, bilobectomy, segmentectomy, and wedge resections from January 2012 until August 2015. PAL was defined as air leak lasting more than 7\xa0days after surgery.ResultsThe incidence of PAL was 14.7%. Bronchial obstruction (p\u2009<\u20090.05), low body mass index (BMI, p\u2009<\u20090.05), and hypoproteinemia (p\u2009<\u20090.001) were identified as independent preoperative risk factors of PAL. Intraoperative risk factors were lob- (p\u2009<\u20090.01) and bilobectomies (p\u2009<\u20090.05), pleural adhesions (p\xa0<\u20090.001), and length of stapler line (p\u2009<\u20090.001). Among the postoperative risk factors, we identified the use of active drainage (p\u2009<\u20090.01), the presence of subcutaneous emphysema (p\u2009<\u20090.001), massive air leak on the first postoperative day (POD 1, p\u2009<\u20090.001), and an incomplete re-expansion of the lung (p\u2009<\u20090.001). PAL was not associated with more complications in the postoperative period. One patient required reoperation due to a massive air leak. Twenty-six patients were discharged with a Heimlich valve with no complications and no need for re-admission.ConclusionsBronchial obstruction, low BMI, hypoproteinemia, lob- and bilobectomies, pleural adhesions, length of stapler line, use of active drainage, the presence of subcutaneous emphysema, massive air leak on POD 1, and incomplete re-expansion of the lung were identified as independent risk factors of PAL. It had no influence on outcomes.