Alveolar–pleural or broncho-pleural fistulas, leading to persistent air leaks (PALs), are associated with prolonged hospitalization and substantial morbidity. While guidelines advocate surgical repair as the primary treatment, its efficacy is limited. For patients recently subjected to thoracic surgery or those for whom surgery is contraindicated due to severe illness, viable treatment alternatives have been lacking. This article reviews the newer and less invasive treatment options for PALs. Further research is crucial, including randomized controlled trials comparing these options, and long-term monitoring of intervention outcomes is warranted.
Serna et al. (2026) studied this question.