Natural air leak test without submergence for spontaneous pneumothorax

Between 2005 and 2010, 35 patients underwent a novel method for evaluating air leaks without submergence, and their clinical records were retrospectively reviewed. The data on patient characteristics, surgical details, and perioperative outcomes were analyzed.The differences in the clinical background and intraoperative factors did not reach a statistically significant level between the new and classical methods. The incidence of recurrence was also equivalent to the standard method. However, the length of the operation and drainage periods were significantly shorter in patients evaluated using the new method than the conventional method. Further, no postoperative complications were observed in patients evaluated using the new method.This simple technique is satisfactorily effective and does not result in any complications.SP remains a significant health problem because the recurrence rate is estimated to be approximately 10%-20%, even after surgical management is performed [1]. Prolonged air leaks (PALs) are the main reason for prolonged thoracic tube drainage, a prolonged hospital stay, and increased costs [2]. We often experience postoperative air leaks in spite of there being no air leaks intraoperatively. Therefore, the procedure for evaluating air leaks itself might be a problem.The submersion method, which is the most popular way of screening for air leaks [3], requires that the lung parenchyma be held to identify the leak point. Furthermore, most procedures are performed in a limited space by VATS. However, holding the lung puts it in a state that is far from its natural and physiological state. A practical technique that avoids this unnatural positioning has not been sufficiently discussed. We herein introduce a new technique that uses a transparent film and drainage tube. This method is easy and efficient, and does not appear to cause any complications. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical outcome using the new method for detecting air l