Intraoperative measures for preventing residual air spaces.

In thoracic surgery, the intraoperative solution of difficult air space problems relies heavily on the operating surgeon's creativity, versatility, and meticulous surgical technique, as well us profound knowledge of the anatomy and past surgical heritage. The same degree of expertise and experience is needed to simply observe innocent residual spaces without resorting to unnecessary aggressiveness. Management of residual air spaces is an art that conclusively defines the maturity of a thoracic surgeon. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.