Let me add further that Pneumonectomy patients should not be positioned on their unoperated side. This can result in bronchopleural fistula due to space fluid washing over the bronchial stump. Patients undergoing intrapericardial pneumonectomy should be treated in sitting for the first 4 days unless advised otherwise by the medical team.

Position the patient in a semi Fowler's Position (head of bed elevated to 30 degrees and hips and knees slightly flexed). This position reduces traction on the thoracic incision.