Radiology of the chest after thoracic surgery

The Postpneumonectomy State

“…After a pleuropneumonectomy, fluid accumulation has been reported to be very rapid, and at tim es, to have compromised the function of the remaining lung. 39 Christiansen and colleagues 37 also noted that in 17% of their patients, the amount of fluid in the pleural space decreased at one point during the observation period. When this occurred in conjunction with a shift in the mediastinum to the side opposite to the pneumonectomy, it was diagnostic of a bronchopleural fistula.…”

Intensive care unit management of a posttraumatic pneumonectomy case

“…Immediately after surgery PPS fills with air. [ 4 ] Then, fluid accumulates at a rate of two rib spaces per day and 80-90% is filled in 2 weeks. If fluid accumulates more rapidly, then possibility of hemorrhage, infection or chylothorax should be kept in mind.…”