Pleurodesis using 50% glucose solution for air leak after pulmonary resection: a multi-center retrospective study
Ryosuke Tokuda1, Satoru Okada2, Yasuo Ueshima3
1Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Fukuchiyama City-Hospital, Fukuchiyama, Japan.
Purpose:
To assess the usefulness of and predictive factors for pleurodesis using 50% glucose solution to treat air leak after pulmonary resection.
Methods:
The subjects of this retrospective study were 70 patients from three Japanese institutions, who were treated with 50% glucose solution for postoperative air leak between April, 2015 and March, 2023. Air leak was monitored using a digital drainage system. We analyzed the patient characteristics, surgical details, and outcomes. Successful pleurodesis was defined as control of the air leak within two attempts and no recurrence within 1 month after drain removal. Predictors of success were identified using multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
Pleurodesis with 50% glucose solution treated air leak successfully in 58 patients (83%), with a median time from resection to pleurodesis of 4 days. Air leak control was achieved within 2 days in 93% of these patients. Air leak volume < 300 mL/min before pleurodesis and an air space rate < 10% calculated on chest radiograph were independent predictors of success. The success rate for patients with both or none of these factors was 97% and 29%, respectively. No life-threatening complications were observed.
Conclusions:
Pleurodesis using 50% glucose solution could be useful for managing postoperative air leak, especially in patients with an air leak volume < 300 mL/min and an air space rate < 10%.
