TY - JOUR AU - Fiorelli, Alfonso AU - D’Andrilli, Antonio AU - Cascone, Roberto AU - Occhiati, Luisa AU - Anile, Marco AU - Diso, Daniele AU - Cassiano, Francesco AU - Poggi, Camilla AU - Ibrahim, Mohsen AU - Cusumano, Giacomo AU - Terminella, Alberto AU - Failla, Giuseppe AU - La Sala, Alba AU - Bezzi, Michela AU - Innocenti, Margherita AU - Torricelli, Elena AU - Venuta, Federico AU - Rendina, Erino Angelo AU - Vicidomini, Giovanni AU - Santini, Mario AU - Andreetti, Claudio PY - 2018 TI - Unidirectional endobronchial valves for management of persistent air-leaks: results of a multicenter study JF - Journal of Thoracic Disease; Vol 10, No 11 (November 28, 2018): Journal of Thoracic Disease Y2 - 2018 KW - N2 - Background: To evaluate the efficacy of Endo-Bronchial Valves in the management of persistent air-leaks (PALs) and the procedural cost. Methods: It was a retrospective multicenter study including consecutive patients with PALs for alveolar pleural fistula (APF) undergoing valve treatment. We assessed the efficacy and the cost of the procedure. Results: Seventy-four patients with persistent air leaks due to various etiologies were included in the analysis. In all cases the air leaks were severe and refractory to standard treatments. Sixty-seven (91%) patients underwent valve treatment obtaining a complete resolution of air-leaks in 59 (88%) patients; a reduction of air-leaks in 6 (9%); and no benefits in 2 (3%). The comparison of data before and after valve treatment showed a significant reduction of air-leak duration (16.2±8.8 versus 5.0±1.7 days; P<0.0001); chest tube removal (16.2±8.8 versus 7.3±2.7 days; P<0.0001); and length of hospital stay (LOS) (16.2±8.8 versus 9.7±2.8 days; P=0.004). Seven patients not undergoing valve treatment underwent pneumo-peritoneum with pleurodesis (n=6) or only pleurodesis (n=1). In only 1 (14%) patient, the chest drainage was removed 23 days later while the remaining 6 (86%) were discharged with a domiciliary chest drainage removed after 157±41 days. No significant difference was found in health cost before and after endobronchial valve (EBV) implant (P=0.3). Conclusions: Valve treatment for persistent air leaks is an effective procedure. The reduction of hospitalization costs related to early resolution of air-leaks could overcome the procedural cost. UR - https://jtd.amegroups.org/article/view/24924