The lungs are responsible for oxygen exchange and normally act like an air-filled balloon. If there are thoracic adhesions, the pleural surface may be damaged during surgery, leading to postoperative air leaks at the cut edge. If you have other lung disease, such as emphysema or pulmonary alveoli, the risk of postoperative air leak is substantially higher.
Mild postoperative air leaks are normal and may resolve with conservative treatment as prescribed by your doctor; if your doctor determines that there is a large or prolonged air leak, he or she may inject medication into your chest cavity to promote adhesions to the wound, or reoperate to treat the wound with sutures.
You should be reminded that smoking increases the risk of lung disease such as emphysema, alveoli, and lung cancer, as well as the risk of postoperative air leaks, so it is important to quit as soon as possible.
Co-authors: Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute Dr. Zheng Shaopeng Dr. Xia Jin