Introduction: We previously demonstrated the usefulness of combining stitching with covering to seal alveolar air leaks in an animal model. This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness and feasibility of this sealing method in the clinical setting.
Methods: Data of 493 patients who underwent thoracoscopic anatomical resection between 2013 and 2020 for lung cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Prolonged air leak was defined as chest drain placement lasting 5 d or longer due to air leak. Until July 2017 (early study period), we covered air leaks using mesh. However, for sealing (late study period), we additionally stitched leaks with pledget in patients at high risk of prolonged air leak. The pneumostasis procedure, intraoperative confirmation test of pneumostasis, and chest tube management were uniform during both periods.
Results: The incidence of prolonged air leak was significantly lower in the late than in the early period (3.6% versus 12.5%), whereas pulmonary emphysema was more severe in the late period compared to the early period. Intraoperative failure of sealing air leaks was significantly reduced in the late period than in the early period. In both univariate and propensity score matching analysis, the study period was a significant predictor of prolonged air leak.
Conclusions: The combination of stitching and covering with mesh may contribute to reducing prolonged air leak incidence in patients undergoing thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection for lung cancer.
Keywords: Computed tomography; Lung cancer surgery; Minimally invasive surgery; Prolonged air leak; Thoracoscopic surgery.
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