Evaluation of Progel in minimally invasive segmentectomy: a multicentric retrospective series.

Background: In the past years, segmentectomy has been increasingly used to remove small peripheral lung cancers; however, segmentectomies seem to be associated with an increased incidence of prolonged air-leaks compared to lobectomies. Over the years, numerous air sealants were tested, but the most effective of all appears to be Progel Methods: Retrospective comparative cohort study of consecutive patients undergone anatomical segmentectomy at two high-volume centres between January 2018 and September 2022. Patients were divided in two groups according to whether the sealant was used. The sealant was applied intraoperatively to the remaining lung. Prolonged air leak (PAL) was defined as lasting more than 5 days. Results: One hundred and eighty-one patients were included in the study: 90 patients in the sealant group (SG) and 91 in the control group (CG). PAL was observed in 5.5% (n=5) of patients in the SG compared to 12.1% (n=11) in the CG (P=0.19). In the CG, there was a significant difference in the rate of PAL following a simple and complex segmentectomy (2.8% Conclusions: The sealant was safe and effective for intraoperative closure of air leaks following segmentectomy. Use of the sealant decreased the rate of PALs and it led to a significant reduction in chest tube duration and length of hospitalization.