Work

Implantation of polyglycolic acid mesh over lung resection staple lines to prevent air leaks

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Postoperative air leak is the most common complication following lung resection, occurring in 30% to 58% patients. It requires postponing chest tube removal and contributes to postoperative pain, pneumonia, empyemas, and increased hospital length of stay and cost. We placed a double layer of absorbable polyglycolic acid mesh over the parenchymal staple lines at the end of every major lung resection and retrospectively reviewed the results compared to a cohort of similar lung resections without the use of mesh. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients undergoing segmentectomy, lobectomy, or multilobe lung resection (one resection was lobectomy or segmentectomy) between Novermber 2020 and July 2024 who had placement of a double layer of polyglycolic mesh over parenchymal staple lines held in place with lung sealant. The control cohort comprised consecutive patients undergoing the same resections without the use of mesh during the first 18 months of the study period. Nonparametric statistical tests were used. Results: = .028), and was especially effective in multilobe resections. Conclusions: Placing a double layer of polyglycolic acid mesh over the parenchymal staple lines in major lung resections is a safe, effective adjunct to reduce postoperative air leaks, resulting in a significant decrease in hospital length of stay.

Source: JTCVS Techniques

DOI: 10.1016/j.xjtc.2025.05.022