Correct!
4. 1 and 3
The post-pneumonectomy space fills with air, fluid and blood at a rate of about 1-2 intercostal spaces per day. More rapid accumulation of fluid may indicate hemorrhage, chylothorax from injury to the thoracic duct or infection. In contrast, a decrease in the air/fluid level by 2 cm. or more might indicate the presence of a post-operative bronchopleural fistula. It takes an average of about 4 months for complete opacification of the hemithorax.
Our patient made an uneventful surgical recovery. He was extubated and discharged home without further hemoptysis.
References
- Mbata GC, Ewelike ID. Management of haemoptysis after cure of pulmonary tuberculosis. Am J Resp Med. 2013;8(2):22-4.
- British Thoracic Society; Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland Working Party. BTS guidelines: guidelines on the selection of patients with lung cancer for surgery. Thorax. 2001 Feb;56(2):89-108. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Brunelli A. Preoperative functional workup for patients with advanced lung cancer. J Thorac Dis. 2016 Nov; 8(Suppl 11):S840-8. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Kopec SE, Irwin RS. Sequelae and complications of pneumonectomy. UptoDate. Dec 19, 2016. Available at: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/sequelae-and-complications-of-pneumonectomy (requires subscription, accessed 1/16/17).
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