TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX DURING VIDEOTHORACOSCOPY

Thoracoscopy for spontaneous pneumothorax has been performed over the years by many pulmonologists. The aim of the procedure was merely diagnostic: the detection of blebs and bullae. Therapeutic modalities were restricted to chemical pleurodesis. The development of videothoracoscopy has made more complex interventions, such as bullectomy possible. A protocol for videothoracoscopic treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax, with all treatment modalities in one session, has been developed. All patients with spontaneous pneumothorax underwent videothoracoscopy under general anaesthesia with double lumen tube intubation. If no abnormalities were found on the visceral pleura, talc pleurodesis was performed. Small lesions, blebs or bullae <2 cm, were coagulated prior to pleurodesis. In case of blebs or bullae >2 cm, thoracoscopic resection with an EndoGIA stapling device was performed, followed by scarification, ie. electrocoagulation, of the parietal pleura. In 43 patients, 44 procedures were performed. In 15 cases (34%) no blebs or bullae were found. In 6 cases (14%) only blebs <2 cm were found. In 23 cases (52%) blebs and bullae >2 cm were found. In 21 out of 44 cases (48%), talc pleurodesis was performed, and in 23 cases (52%) bullectomy was performed. No major complication occurred. The average hospital stay was 5.7 days after talc pleurodesis and 6.0 days after bullectomy. There were 2 recurrences (5%) after a follow-up of at least 18 months. In conclusion, the use of videothoracoscopy in spontaneous pneumothorax makes it possible to continue a diagnostic procedure as a therapeutic session. The recurrence rate is low after both talc pleurodesis and bullectomy, whilst the hospital stay after the procedure is no longer than after chest tube drainage alone. Videothoracoscopic treatment may significantly reduce the need for thoracotomy in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax.