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RATIONALE Prolonged air leak (PAL) after partial lung resection can occur due to surgical complications or in the presence of residual thoracic space. The former type results in drainage-independent air leak (DIPAL), whereas later type results in drainage-dependent air leak (DDPAL). Drainage-dependent air leak is described after thoracentesis in patients with non-expandable lung, where the thoracostomy tube can be discontinued safely despite an ongoing air leak. This distinction is clinically relevant, as in the presence of DDPAL, tube thoracostomy can be safely discontinued without the need of further interventions. OBJECTIVES To determine the frequency and clinical relevance of DDAPL and DIPAL in patients with PAL after partial lung resection. METHODS We prospectively identified consecutive patients with PAL after partial lung resection. Pleural manometry was performed 3-5 days after surgery. Pleural pressure was measured for 20 minutes after clamping the thoracostomy tube. Drainage-dependent PAL was diagnosed if the end-expiratory pleural pressure remained stable after plateauing in the absence of respiratory symptoms. RESULTS Of 225 patients underwent lung resection, we identified 22 (10%) who had a PAL (9.8%). Twenty patients had adequate pleural manometry readings. The majority, 16/20 (80%), had a DDPAL and had lower median hospital length of stay than those with a DIPAL (6.9 vs. 11 days, p=0.02). All patients with DIPAL required re-exploration surgery, whereas only one patient with DDPAL underwent re-exploration surgery . CONCLUSIONS Most PALs after partial lung resection are DDPAL. Patients with DDPAL have lower hospital length of stay and less need for re-exploration surgery, than those with DIPAL.