Advances in the Management of Postoperative Air Leak Following Pulmonary Resection

Postoperative air leak is a prevalent complication following pulmonary resection, impacting patient recovery, healthcare costs, and length of hospital stay. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and perioperative care, the best practices for managing air leaks remain a topic of discussion. Recent improvements such as the introduction of digital drainage systems, innovative intraoperative sealants, and enhanced postoperative protocols offer significant potential in addressing this issue. Understanding individual patient risk factors and incorporating predictive models into clinical practice are also crucial for enabling precise interventions. As minimally invasive lung surgeries become increasingly common, reducing postoperative air leak is critical to improving patient outcomes. A concerted, multidisciplinary approach is necessary to optimize strategies and enhance the quality of care.

This Research Topic aims to showcase recent progress and pioneering strategies for the prevention, prediction, and management of postoperative air leaks following pulmonary resections. It seeks to cover both intraoperative and postoperative methodologies, including the use of digital chest drainage systems, novel sealants, and surgical techniques that aim to minimize air leaks. Additionally, the focus will include predictive models and risk stratification tools, which hold the potential to guide perioperative decision-making. Contributions that delve into optimal chest tube management protocols, early removal strategies, and cost-effectiveness analyses are also welcome. An essential aspect of this Research Topic is the integration of patient-reported outcomes and quality-of-life assessments into postoperative care pathways. Through collaboration among thoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, pulmonologists, and researchers, this Research Topic intends to outline current standards, address existing challenges, and advocate for data-driven methods to reduce postoperative air leak and its clinical implications.

To gather further insights into the intricacies of managing postoperative air leak, we invite articles on the following themes:

-Digital drainage systems and air leak quantification
-Predictive models and risk stratification tools
-Intraoperative techniques and surgical sealants
-Postoperative chest tube management and early removal protocols
-Role of imaging and biomarkers in leak detection and follow-up
-Patient-reported outcomes and health economic evaluations

Authors are encouraged to submit Original Research, Reviews, Mini Reviews, and Perspectives that blend clinical expertise with research-backed evidence or propose new approaches to improve outcomes and standardize care.