Operative management of pulmonary injuries: Lung-sparing and formal resections

Penetrating pulmonary injuries frequently require thoracotomy, as most of these injuries are successfully managed with chest tube insertion, evacuation of pneumothoraces and hemothoraces, and pulmonary re-expansion. Of those that require thoracotomy for pulmonary repair and resection, approximately 85% can be managed with pulmonary sparing lung techniques, thus avoiding complications due to lobectomy or pneumonectomy.