Intraoperative and postoperative management of air leaks in patients with emphysema.

Air leaks after pulmonary surgery represent a substantial clinical problem. When they persist beyond a few days, air leaks appear to increase complications and costs. Clearly, emphysema patients are those at greatest risk for developing problematic air leaks. This article, after reviewing what is known about the epidemiology and clinical significance of air leaks, discusses the various techniques that may be employed to avoid the development of problematic air leaks and to manage them when they do occur. It reviews the data available on newer and more traditional options for the prophylaxis and management of air leaks and offers the authors' opinions about the optimal approaches in various clinical situations.