The Potential of NE’X GLUE as an Effective Solution for Air Leak Prevention in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Procedures

Background Postoperative air leaks remain a clinically relevant complication after minimally invasive pulmonary tissue resections, often prolonging drainage, hospitalisation, and recovery. Surgical sealants may improve intraoperative airtight closure and reduce postoperative burden. Objective Evaluate the clinical efficacy of NE’X GLUE, an albumin-based, biocompatible, two-component surgical adhesive, for preventing air leaks after minimally invasive pulmonary tissue resections. Methods A prospective study group included 28 patients who underwent atypical resections, segmentectomies, or lobectomies with NE’X GLUE applied using the three-layer “sandwich” technique. Outcomes were compared with a retrospective control group of 22 patients who underwent similar procedures without sealant. Postoperative air leaks, drainage duration, re-drainage, hospitalisation, complications, emergency consultations, reinterventions, and pneumothorax recurrence were assessed. Results Postoperative air leaks occurred in 4 patients in the NE’X GLUE group (14.3%), all resolving within 24 hours without additional intervention, compared with 40.9% in the control group. Mean air-leak duration was 0.5 days versus 2.8 days. Re-drainage was not required after sealant use, whereas it was performed in 13.6% of controls. Drainage removal within 2 days was achieved in 85.7% versus 31.8% of patients. Mean hospitalisation was 3.9 versus 6.8 days. Grade I–IV complications occurred in 3.6% versus 36.4%, and emergency consultations in 3.6% versus 22.7%. No reinterventions or pneumothorax recurrences occurred in the NE’X GLUE group. Conclusion NE’X GLUE applied with the “sandwich” technique was associated with fewer postoperative air leaks, earlier drainage removal, shorter hospitalisation, and fewer complications after minimally invasive pulmonary tissue resections.