Modified free pericardial fat pledget technique for intraoperative air leak management in robotic-assisted thoracic surgery.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Prolonged air leakage following pulmonary resection is a common complication, and reliable intraoperative repair of lung fistulas is crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a modified free pericardial fat pledget technique tailored to solo robot-assisted thoracic surgery.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at Sapporo Medical University Hospital between April 9, 2018, and May 31, 2024, comparing conventional and modified free pericardial fat pledget techniques in patients who underwent anatomical lung resection requiring air leak repair. Harvesting and suturing times were measured. Patient characteristics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

Results

In total, 14 and 26 air leaks were repai

SUBMITTER: Chiba Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12688517 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature