Prolonged Air Leak and Heimlich Valve

Abstract

Objective: In this study, the effectiveness of Heimlich valve application in the treatment of prolonged air leak after surgery in patients who underwent lung surgery for any reason has been investigated. Materials And Methods: Thirty-three patients who had undergone surgery for various reasons in our clinic between June 2014 and December 2018 and developed prolonged air leakage were included in the study. The patients were called for control earliest on the third day after discharge to evaluate whether the Heimlich valve was used effectively. In the controls, a leak test was performed with plastic containers filled with 50 cc saline solution to evaluate the presence of air leaks. Results: Of the 33 cases included in the study, 22 men and 11 women. The average age was 50.3 years (range 20-72). Of the thirty-three patients, 13 were operated for bullous lung disease, nine for diffuse interstitial lung disease, four for lung cancer, four for empyema, two for nodular lung disease and one for hydatid cyst. The most common surgical procedures were wedge resection and bulla excision. The average postoperative period for taking Heimlich valve was 10.2 days (range 7-15 days). The procedure was considered unsuccessful in two (6.1%) cases. The success rate of the procedure was determined as 93.9%. Conclusion: We think that the Heimlich valve is an effective method in the treatment of prolonged air leaks after lung surgery, as it accelerates the patient's discharge process and improves the quality of life.