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

Abstract

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.