Problems with using the air leak test with Yang’s bubble solution during video-assisted thoracic surgery

The lung is an air-containing organ, and in the case of lung resection, air leakage from the remnant lungs often occurs. It is usually difficult to repair air leaks from the lungs after resection, especially in cases of pulmonary parenchyma with strong emphysematous changes, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung damage caused by interstitial pneumonia (1). Air leakage from the lungs is closely associated with postoperative complications, and there is a risk of progression to acute empyema due to prolonged lung fistula (2).