Localization of air leaks by soap bubble

Prolonged air leak (5 days or more) is the most frequent complication after major lung resection. The main reasons for prolonged air leak include lung tissue fragility due to emphysematous lung formation, impaired wound healing, and overlooked air leak points. Some potentially preventive measures against prolonged air leak include the use of surgical sealant and buttressing materials during pulmonary resection, obliterating free space by pleural tenting or pneumoperitoneum, or dissecting the pulmonary ligament (1).