[Intraoperative Prevention and Postoperative Treatment of Air Leakage in Lung Surgery]

The intraoperative and postoperative air leakages in lung surgery are caused by factors related to patients as well as the surgical technique employed. Prevention and management of air leakage caused by these varied factors are essential for thoracic surgeons. The factors related to patients, such as severe emphysema, smoking history, and insufficient lobulation, should be evaluated before surgery. Although time-consuming, careful and reliable surgical techniques are required. After the lung surgery, management of drain is essential for controlling air leakage. Rethoracotomy is one of the treatment options that can be employed when conservative treatment does not improve the air leakage. At present, complete way of management of air leakage has not been established;therefore, thoracic surgeons should work toward developing a definite intraoperative and postoperative air leakage management in lung surgery.