Lobectomy Leaks

A lobectomy, or pulmonary lobectomy, is a common surgical procedure whereby one lobe of the lung is removed. It is used for the treatment of cancer and other conditions that would otherwise be untreatable. Air leak from the lung is one possible complication following surgery.

Expectations

• It is not uncommon for a lung to leak air for a few days following surgery, as the area where tissue was removed heals. However, some patients may find that leaking continues beyond this initial period.

Considerations

• Some lobectomy patients are sent home from hospital with a chest tube and a suction device, known as a pleurovac, that collects drainage from the tube. The action of the pleurovac may cause leaking to continue and some patients find that removal of the chest tube stops the leak.

Warning

• In certain cases, if leaking continues for a protracted period or worsens, additional surgery may be needed. Air leaks that continue for a week or more are considered to be a post-operative complication. Patients should also contact a doctor if they have trouble breathing, pain that increases in intensity or drainage that changes color or volume by 100 milliliters or more.