Disappearance of fluid from the postpneumonectomy space

Abstract

Fourteen cases are presented in which there was radiographic evidence that pleural space fluid disappeared in the early period after pneumonectomy. In 11 cases the clinical course was uneventful and the space refilled. Two patients subsequently developed a bronchopleural fistula, and 1 patient suffered from recurrent respiratory injections. This complication was probably due to the presence of a small bronchopleural fistula, in spite of the difficulty experienced in its demonstration. Conservative management is recommended, with frequent clinical and radiologic observations, so that early surgical intervention may be undertaken if an overt bronchopleural fistula results.