Question

What is a lung decortication? Why is this procedure performed?

Answer 1

Lung decorticating is a medical procedure involving the surgical removal of the surface layer.

Explanation:

This procedure is usually performed when the lung is covered by a thick inelastic pleural peel restricting lung expansion.

Lung decorticating is a major thoracic operation requiring a full thoracotomy . All fibrous tissue is removed from the visceral pleural peel and pus is subsequently drained from the pleural space.
It is also performed using thoracoscopy.