The pneumonectomy syndrome

Excessive traction and compression of mediastinal structures can produce gas trapping, dysphagia and reflux, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, tracheomalacia and vascular compromise. 3 Surgical implantation of tissue expanders to reduce mediastinal shift has been reported in case series to be successful in improving symptoms and often spirometric parameters. 1 2 6 Endobronchial stent placement has also been reported to provide symptomatic benefits. 7 Learning points Pneumonectomy syndrome is an uncommon complication produced by excessive mediastinal shift into the pneumonectomy space that can produce disabling respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.