Surgery remains an effective treatment for non-small cell lung cancer. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has broadly replaced traditional thoracotomy due to its minimally invasive nature, quick recovery, simple operation, and clear field of view. However, complications such as pulmonary air leaks, insufficient tension, pleural effusion, and cardiac retention persist. Among these, persistent air leak (PAL) is a frequent complication, characterized by an abnormal pathway between a lung bulla and the pleural cavity, allowing air to enter the pleural space, leading to the formation of bullae or even pneumothoraces. The incidence of PAL varies between 8% and 26%. Although pneumothoraces can self-resolve, they require significant clinical attention as they can impact the patient’s recovery process. This article aims to summarize the definition, risks, influencing factors, and nursing strategies for PAL, providing recommendations for the recovery of postoperative patients.

Ding Mengyao. Factors Associated with Persistent Air Leaks after Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Lung Cancer and Advances in Nursing Care. International Journal of Frontiers in Medicine (2024), Vol. 6, Issue 5: 109-114. https://doi.org/10.25236/IJFM.2024.060515.

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