Clinical Efficacy of Surgical Sealants After Pulmonary Resection: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

This individual patient data meta-analysis evaluated the clinical efficacy of surgical sealants after pulmonary resection using data from seven randomized controlled trials including 552 patients. The use of a sealant was associated with a significant reduction in hospital length of stay, with a median decrease of one day compared to standard closure (hazard ratio 0.82). Sealants also significantly shortened air leak duration (hazard ratio 0.70) and chest drain duration (hazard ratio 0.78). Subgroup analyses showed clear benefits in patients undergoing lobectomy and segmentectomy, with the biggest impact observed after segmentectomy. No statistically significant benefit was demonstrated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Overall, the findings support the selective use of surgical sealants after failed conventional air leak control to improve postoperative recovery following pulmonary resection.