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International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
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International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure

Published on: March 12, 2020

Prevention of postpneumonectomy syndrome in children with prophylactic tissue expander insertion

Lydia Choi1, Michael P LaQuaglia, Peter G Cordeiro

  • 1Karmanos Cancer Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|July 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Prophylactic tissue expanders may prevent postpneumonectomy syndrome (PPS) in children. This study found tissue expander insertion safe and effective in pediatric patients undergoing pneumonectomy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Surgical Complications

Background:

  • Postpneumonectomy syndrome (PPS) is a serious complication following lung removal, affecting up to 15% of children.
  • Children experience higher rates of PPS than adults due to their more elastic tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic tissue expander insertion in pediatric patients after pneumonectomy.
  • To determine if tissue expanders can prevent postpneumonectomy syndrome in children.

Main Methods:

  • A case series of 4 pediatric patients who underwent immediate prophylactic tissue expander insertion post-pneumonectomy.
  • Monitoring for complications such as infection and evaluating the effectiveness of the tissue expanders in preventing PPS.

Main Results:

  • Tissue expander insertion was successful in preventing PPS in all 4 patients.
  • No infections occurred. One patient experienced tissue expander rupture, but a capsule had formed, negating the need for replacement.

Conclusions:

  • Prophylactic tissue expander insertion appears to be a safe and potentially effective strategy for preventing PPS in pediatric patients.
  • The benefits of preventing PPS must be weighed against the risks and procedural burden on a case-by-case basis.
Abstract

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