Digital measurements of air leak flow and intrapleural pressures in the immediate postoperative period predict risk of prolonged air leak after pulmonary lobectomy☆

Abstract

The levels of both air leak flow and pleural pressure measured at the 6th postoperative hour are associated to a different extent with the duration of air leak. Interpretation of the data measured at an early time point by digital chest drainage systems allows estimation of the risk of subsequent PAL. In this way, digital devices may help to plan postoperative management to allow both safe and more accurate implementation of fast-tracking strategies.