Intrapleural Instillation of Autologous Blood in the Treatment of Prolonged Air Leak After Lobectomy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the value of instilling autologous blood into the pleural cavity to seal prolonged air leaks after lobectomy.MethodsOf 319 lobectomies performed over an 18-month period, 22 patients (6.9%) experienced prolonged air leak (more than 5 days after surgery). Twenty patients consented to be randomly assigned to one of two treatment pathways. The study group received instillation of 120 mL autologous blood...