Thoracic shaping technique to avoid residual space after extended pleurectomy/decortication

Abstract

Extended pleurectomy/decortication or radical pleurectomy is defined as a lung-sparing surgical procedure for malignant pleural mesothelioma. A significant size mismatch between the thoracic cavityand the reduced size of the remaining lung might occur as a result of multiple resections at different sites and lead to residual thoracic space. Residual thoracic space and significant air leakage might result in postoperative complications. A simple technique of diaphragm reconstruction to avoid the residual thoracic space and to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications is described. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.