Pleural hypercarbia after lung surgery is associated with persistent alveolopleural fistulae
Background Persistent air leak (PAL)> 5 days due to alveolopleural fistulae is a leading
cause of morbidity following surgical resection. Elevated CO 2 levels reportedly inhibit
alveolar epithelial cell proliferation and impair wound healing in vitro. Because the injured
lung surface is in direct communication with the pleural cavity, we investigated whether the
pleural gaseous milieu affected lung healing. Methods Oxygen and CO 2 levels in pleural
gas were determined prospectively in consecutive patients (N= 116) undergoing lung …
cause of morbidity following surgical resection. Elevated CO 2 levels reportedly inhibit
alveolar epithelial cell proliferation and impair wound healing in vitro. Because the injured
lung surface is in direct communication with the pleural cavity, we investigated whether the
pleural gaseous milieu affected lung healing. Methods Oxygen and CO 2 levels in pleural
gas were determined prospectively in consecutive patients (N= 116) undergoing lung …
