Expectations

• It is not uncommon for a lung to leak air for a few days following surgery, as the area where tissue was removed heals. However, some patients may find that leaking continues beyond this initial period.
  
  

Considerations

• Some lobectomy patients are sent home from hospital with a chest tube and a suction device, known as a pleurovac, that collects drainage from the tube. The action of the pleurovac may cause leaking to continue and some patients find that removal of the chest tube stops the leak.
  
  

Warning

• In certain cases, if leaking continues for a protracted period or worsens, additional surgery may be needed. Air leaks that continue for a week or more are considered to be a post-operative complication. Patients should also contact a doctor if they have trouble breathing, pain that increases in intensity or drainage that changes color or volume by 100 milliliters or more.