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Use of a Pericardial Fat Pad for Alveolar Air Leaks After Pulmonary Resections

Department of Surgery National Sanatorium Nishigunma Hospital Shibukawa, Japan 1 Second Department of Surgery Gunma University School of Medicine Maebashi, Japan

For reprint information contact: Osamu Kawashima, MD Department of Surgery National Sanatorium Nishigunma Hospital 2854 Kanai Shibukawa, Gunma 377-0027, Japan Tel: 81 279 23 3030 Fax: 81 279 23 2740

To investigate the effectiveness of using a free pericardial fat pad to control air leaks from residual raw parenchymal surfaces after pulmonary resections, 30 consecutive patients were studied. There were 23 males and 7 females with a median age of 69 years. The indication for this technique was any alveolar air leak from a residual raw parenchymal surface which could not been controlled by suturing. There were 25 lobectomies with incomplete fissure and 5 cases of segmentectomy. None of the patients exhibited air leaks beyond 2 days, post-operative space problems, or infections. All patients had chest drains removed within 2 days after the operation. The application of a free pericardial fat pad is a promising new method of treating air leaks from residual raw parenchymal surfaces after pulmonary resections.