Disconnection of the ventilatory system does not prevent pleural lesions during sternotomy.

In previous studies pleurotomy has seldom been reported as a complication of sternotomy and, therefore, the incidence is unknown. Factors increasing or decreasing the risk of pleurotomy also have not been studied properly. In a prospective, randomized trial, performed during 14 consecutive months from 1988 until 1989, the incidence of pleurotomy and its possible risk factors were studied in 712 patients undergoing median sternotomy for cardiac and mediastinal procedures. The overall incidence of pleurotomy was 14.7%. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the use of positive end-expiratory pressure, and continuation or discontinuation of the ventilatory system did not affect the incidence. A surgeon-related risk factor could be significantly identified (P < 0.001). In conclusion, disconnection of the ventilatory system during sternotomy has been shown to have no influence on the pleurotomy rate and its continued use is no longer valid.