THORACOSCOPIC PLEURODESIS FOR PROLONGED (OR INTRACTABLE) AIR LEAK AFTER LUNG RESECTION

Air leaks are common after lung resection, and normally seal with cons ervative therapy. Re-thoracotomy is rarely indicated. We present three patients with prolonged air leak and partial pneumothorax treated by thoracoscopy. Complete lung re-expansion followed immediately. Postope rative air leak was minimal, The chest tubes were removed after three or four days, Complete division of adhesions and sealing of the leak(s ) are essential. Thoracoscopy may be the method of choice fur prolonge d air leak unresponding to conservative therapy provided the bronchial stump or suture have been verified by endoscopy. (C) 1997 Elsevier Sc ience B.V.