Risk factors, complications and costs of prolonged air leak after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for primary lung cancer
Florian Ponholzer, Caecilia Ng, Herbert Maier, Paolo Lucciarini, Dietmar Öfner, Florian Augustin
Abstract
Background: Prolonged air leak (PAL) represents a common complication after lung resection. This study aims to analyze the risk factors for the development of a PAL, its impact on the postoperative outcome and to estimate additional treatment costs. Methods: A single center database was queried for all patients scheduled for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for primary lung cancer. In total, 957 patients between 2009 and 2021 were analyzed. Exclusion criteria was pneumonectomy. Collected data included demographics and perioperative data (e.g., duration of surgery, postoperative infections, air leak duration etc.). PAL was defined as an air leak lasting for 5 days or longer. The PAL cohort included 103 patients, the non-PAL included 854 patients. Univariate analysis and binomial logistic regression were performed. Cost calculation was performed using available data from prior publications to estimate treatment costs. Results: 12.3%, P<0.001]. As a result of a prolonged LOS, estimated treatment costs were significantly higher for PAL, ranging from 2,888.2 to 12,342.8 € depending on available cost bases compared to the non-PAL cohort, which ranged from 1,370.5 to 5,856.8 € (P<0.001). Conclusions: PAL is a frequent complication that prolongs the LOS after thoracic surgery and, according to the literature, results in elevated readmission rates, leading to excess health care costs. Risk factors for PAL are well established. Preoperative treatment of sarcopenia and dismal nutritional status might alter the risk. As measures to prevent PAL are otherwise limited, guidelines for effective management of PAL need to be established.