Related Experiment Videos
Postpneumonectomy syndrome in adulthood. Surgical correction using an expandable prosthesis
J P Jansen1, A Brutel de la Rivière, M P Alting
1Department of Pulmonology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.
Chest
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Postpneumonectomy syndrome, a rare complication after right lung removal, can cause breathing issues and infections. Treating it with an expandable prosthesis corrected mediastinal shift and relieved symptoms in adult patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Postpneumonectomy syndrome is a rare complication following right pneumonectomy, predominantly observed in pediatric patients.
- It presents with dyspnea, stridor, and recurrent pulmonary infections due to mediastinal shift and lung herniation.
Observation:
- This syndrome results from the heart and mediastinum shifting into the right hemithorax after right pneumonectomy.
- This shift causes tracheal tortuosity, left main bronchus, and left lower lobe bronchus compression, leading to tracheobronchomalacia.
Findings:
- This report details two adult cases of postpneumonectomy syndrome.
- Surgical intervention with an expandable prosthesis successfully corrected the mediastinal shift and anatomical abnormalities.
Implications:
- Expandable prosthesis implantation offers an effective treatment for postpneumonectomy syndrome in adults.
- This intervention provides instantaneous and sustained symptomatic relief, improving patient outcomes.