Alterations of mucociliary clearance of respiratory tract in the early period after sleeve lobectomy

Objective: To investigate the alterations of mucociliary clearance （MCC） in the early period after sleeve lobectomy Methods: The MCC of 15 patients undergoing upper sleeve lobectomy were determined by a noninvasive radioaerosol technique before and 10 days after operation. 20 patients undergoing standard upper lobectomy in the same period served as a contral group. Results: Clinical observation showed impaired MCC in the operated lungs by the 10th day after sleeve lobectomy.The MCC in the unoperated lungs of the bronchoplastic group and bilateral lungs of the contral group returned to preoperative level by the 10th day after operation. Conclusion: Sleeve lobectomy cause significant depression of MCC in the operated lungs in the early postoperative period,which contributes greatly to the occurrence of mucostasis and related complications.