Aerostasis to limit air-leak following extended pleurectomy-decortication

European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery 2024 May 2 [Link]

An-Lies Provoost, Andreas Bouckaert, Cedric Vanluyten, Annalisa Barbarossa, Kristiaan Nackaerts, Birgit Weynand, Johan Coolen, Sofian Bouneb, Olivia Theisen-Lauk, Isabelle Opitz, Philippe Nafteux, Laurens J Ceulemans

Abstract

Extended pleurectomy-decortication is a cytoreductive surgical treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Prolonged air-leak remains a major postoperative challenge lengthening hospital stay and increasing morbidity. In this video report we present a stepwise approach for visceral decortication, and introduce the concept of aerostasis by construction of an artificial neopleura. Our results suggest that improved aerostasis results in shortened air-leak duration.