Table 2.
Serial Analysis of Visual Inspection and Gas Analysis in Patients Deemed to Have APF on Day 0 by Both Techniques
| Day | 0a | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air leak on visual inspection | 19 (100%) | 14 (74%) | 12 (63%) | 7 (37%) | 4 (16%) | 3 (11%) |
| Gas analysis positive for APF | 19 (100%) | 10 (53%) | 5 (26%) | 4 (21%) | 2 (10%) | 2 (10%) |
Day 0 represents the start of serial analysis when the fluid output decreased to below removal threshold for the surgeon. The mean duration for the fluid output to fall below the threshold from the day of operation was 1.82 ± 0.71 days.
APF = alveolopleural fistula.