Ping-pong ball plombage for right postpneumonectomy syndrome in children

The ping-pong ball as a surgical aid in liver transplantation

“…In a previous report, multiple sterilized ping-pong balls were used as plombage to treat postpneumonectomy syndrome in 2 children. A follow-up period of 6 years was reported with no symptoms attributable to the ping-pong balls, and the treatment outcome was considered superior to other methods like thoracoplasty, pericardial fixation, and muscle flap transposition [12]. Nevertheless, long-term monitoring and experience with more patients is required to exclude complications with the use of ping-pong balls.…”

Intrathoracic prosthesis in children in preventing post pneumonectomy syndrome: Its role in congenital single lung and post pneumonectomy situations

“…As simple suture repositioning of the mediastinum is associated with recurrence 8 , we view elimination of the dead space as essential to surgical success, regardless of the etiology of PPS. Although numerous implant materials have been proposed, including breast implants 17 , plastic balls 18 , and silastic implants 19 , our experience with tissue expanders has been notable. Tissue expanders offer flexibility, and their use is safe.…”

Intrathoracic saline-filled prosthesis to treat postpneumonectomy syndrome

“…Many devices have been used to fill the empty hemithorax, including plastic balls, silastic implants, injections of sulphur hexafluoride, and saline-filled breast prostheses. [6][7][8] The use of a saline-filled prosthesis has been reported in individual success stories in the literature, but this procedure is not without difficulties. The prosthesis can be placed during the primary surgery, achieving a stable mediastinum at the end of the procedure and avoiding PPS, but the nature of the previous disease may preclude this in malignant conditions that warrant postoperative chest radiation.…”