Material and Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 152 patients who underwent pulmonary resection between October 2022 and October 2025. Prospectively collected data were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (air leak >5 days) and Group 2 (no air leak or ≤5 days). Demographic, clinical, and perioperative variables were compared.
Results: Prolonged air leaks occurred in 20 patients (13.2%). Patients in Group 1 had lower body mass index compared to Group 2 (23.6 ± 3.8 vs. 27.1 ± 4.7 kg/m², p = 0.0009). Anatomical resection was more frequent in Group 1 (85.0% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.007). Diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (%) was lower in Group 1 (64.0 ± 19.1 vs. 74.0 ± 22.6, p = 0.042). The length of hospital stay was longer in Group 1 (6.0 ± 2.7 vs. 4.0 ± 2.2 days, p = 0.004). No significant differences were
Conclusions: Prolonged air leak remains a common complication following pulmonary resection and is associated with prolonged hospital stay. Lower body mass index and anatomical resection were significant factors associated with its development. These findings suggest that body mass index, evaluated as a continuous variable, may help identify patients at higher risk and guide perioperative
