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Copyright ©The Author(s) 2022.
World J Transplant. Nov 18, 2022; 12(11): 359-364
Published online Nov 18, 2022. doi: 10.5500/wjt.v12.i11.359
Table 1 List of complications and prevention measures
Timing of complication
Type of complication
Prevention measures
IntraoperativePneumothoraxHigh level of suspicion
Cautious OT intubation
CVC placement under echography guidance
Low airway pressures during mechanic ventilation
Closure of diaphragmatic defects encountered during LTx
Early postoperativePleural effusionCorrection of hypoproteinemia
Limited perioperative blood transfusions
Proper surgical technique
Preventive chest tube placement
PneumothoraxEchographic guidance for percutaneous pleural procedures
HemothoraxCorrection of coagulopathy
Echographic guidance for percutaneous pleural procedures
Proper surgical technique during LTx
AtelectasisPain management
Chest physiotherapy
Drainage of pleural effusions
Chest tube misplacementProper surgical technique
Re-expansion pulmonary edemaStaged evacuation of massive pleural effusions
Bacterial pneumoniaChest physiotherapy
Early extubation and weaning from mechanical ventilation
Prevention and treatment of atelectasis
Pleural empyemaDrainage of parapneumonic pleural effusions
Mid-term and chronicOpportunistic infections causing lung necrosis and cavitationProper prophylaxis
Invasive aspergillosisHigh clinical suspicion
Prompt imaging (CT scan)
Diaphragmatic herniationProper surgical technique during LTx
Trapped lungPrompt treatment of pleural effusion before chronicity
Radical treatment of pleural empyema