[Delayed Tracheal Perforation after Pulmonary Resection for Lung Cancer].

We have experienced a case of delayed tracheal perforation after pulmonary resection using soft coagulation system. A 58-year-old male underwent operation for primary lung cancer. A soft coagulation system was used for oozing near upper mediastinal lymph nodes. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 8 in a good condition, however sudden tracheal perforation and was occurred on postoperative day 30. An emergency operation revealed that improper use of the soft coagulation system might cause a necrosis of the bronchial wall. Although, a soft coagulation system is useful to control bleeding from small vessels such as bronchial arteries and lymph nodes, this system is different from conventional electrocautery and requires some attention when using.