Lung decortication is a surgery to remove the pleural membrane covering the lungs to promote proper lung expansion and breathing. A dysfunctional pleural membrane can restrict lung movement and cause breathing problems or collapse. One condition requiring lung decortication is fibrothorax, where abnormal thickened tissue develops over the pleural membrane, weighing down the lungs. Doctors perform tests to ensure safety before lung decortication due to risks like fusion of the intercostal space.

1. Lung Decortication
Lung decortication is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a dysfunctional layer
covering the lungs known as the pleural membrane. The primary aim of performing lung
decortication is to be able to promote proper lung expansion and chest wall compliance. Inability
of the lungs can definitely cause severe breathing problems and can eventually lead to lung
collapse if not addressed immediately. A dysfunctional pleural membrane can serve as a tight
belt to the lungs preventing it to function normally. If lung decortication is done, this belt can
definitely be loosened thus being able to achieve the return of chest wall compliance. As chest
compliance normalize, so as the vital signs of the patient is because the symptoms also lessen
gradually.
One of the medical conditions which may necessitate lung decortication is fibrothorax.
Fibrothorax is an abnormal condition in the lungs wherein fibrous tissues or hardened tissues
actually develop abnormally over the membrane covering the lungs or the pleural membrane.
These fibrous tissues can definitely serve as heavy weights right on top on the lungs preventing
it to be able to expand properly. This can eventually lead to the entrapment of lungs and
experiencing of symptoms like difficulty of breathing, chest pain and some other breathing
abnormalities.
Before lung decortications is properly done to a patient, proper laboratory and other ancillary
tests are necessary to make sure that it is totally safe for the patient to undergo such type of
surgical procedure. Aside from ensuring that the patient’s condition is stable, the physician’s
expertise when it comes to decortications should also be looked upon. This surgical procedure
can definitely be risky because there is a tendency for the intercostal space to be fused or
closed thus preventing the entrance to the pleural cavity.
Lung Decortication
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