TY - JOUR T1 - Bronchial valve treatment for pulmonary air leak after anatomical lung resection for cancer JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J SP - 1142 LP - 1148 DO - 10.1183/09031936.00117613 VL - 43 IS - 4 AU - Christophe A. Dooms AU - Herbert Decaluwe AU - Jonas Yserbyt AU - Paul De Leyn AU - Dirk Van Raemdonck AU - Vincent Ninane Y1 - 2014/04/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/43/4/1142.abstract N2 - A persistent post-operative pulmonary expiratory air leak after an anatomical pulmonary resection is usually managed conservatively, but can be associated with significant morbidity and increased costs. The use of bronchial valves is a minimally invasive method that may be an effective and safe treatment in this setting. In a prospective study, the clinical efficacy of intrabronchial valve treatment in patients with a prolonged persistent pulmonary air leak after anatomical surgical resection for cancer was investigated. 10 out of 277 patients with anatomical pulmonary resection for cancer were included, and 90% were scheduled for valve treatment. We demonstrated an air leak cessation at a median of 2 days after valve placement, which resulted in chest tube removal at a median of 4 days after valve placement. Elective removal of the intrabronchial valves could be safely planned 3 weeks after valve implantation. Lung function alteration associated with airway occlusion by valves was limited. Intrabronchial valve treatment with the aid of a digital thoracic drainage system is an effective and safe therapy for patients with a prolonged pulmonary air leak after anatomical lung resection for cancer. Bronchial valve placement is an effective and safe treatment for a pulmonary air leak after lung resection http://ow.ly/swou7 ER -