Autologous Blood Patch Pleurodesis for Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A Narrative Review, a Retrospective Case Series and State of Play in the UK

A Practical Approach to Pneumothorax Management

Pneumothorax, defined by the presence of air in the pleural cavity, is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and tailored management. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is primarily achieved through radiological imaging. Management strategies for pneumothorax vary according to severity and aetiology. Conservative care, involving vigilant observation and supplemental oxygen, is suitable for small, stable pneumothoraxes. Needle aspiration can be an effective first-line treatment, although it may fail in some instances, necessitating escalation. Ambulatory devices facilitate outpatient care and reduce the length of hospital stays. Chest drainage remains a cornerstone therapy. Indwelling pleural catheters may be implemented in selective cases. Endobronchial treatments, including valves and spigots, offer minimally invasive options for reducing the flow of air leaks. Medical thoracoscopy with talc poudrage provides both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits in patients unsuitable for surgery, while surgical intervention represents the gold standard for definitive treatment. Adjunctive interventions include talc slurry pleurodesis and autologous blood patch pleurodesis for patients unsuitable for surgery. Effective management necessitates individualized treatment plans, incorporating risk factor modification, pain management, and physiotherapy. This practical approach aims to update the reader on the treatment modalities that can be used in all forms of pneumothorax in clinical practice.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma associated with recurrent pneumothorax

Secondary pneumothoraces can be the first presentation of pleural malignancies and may also complicate their course. They are often associated with prolonged air leaks, and cardiothoracic intervention can be required. https://bit.ly/3DEvPem.

Novel Insights from Clinical Practice Autologous Blood Patch Pleurodesis and Endobronchial Valves for Management of Persistent Air Leaks in Two Cases of Tuberculosis

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary infections, such as tuberculosis, can result in numerous pleural complications including empyemas, pneumothoraces with broncho-pleural fistulas, and persistent air leak (PAL). While definitive surgical interventions are often initially considered, management of these complications can be particularly challenging if a patient has an active infection and is not a surgical candidate.

CASE PRESENTATION

Autologous blood patch pleurodesis and endobronchial valve placement have both been described in remedying PALs effectively and safely. PALs due to broncho-pleural fistulas in active pulmonary disease are rare, and we present two such cases that were managed with autologous blood patch pleurodesis and endobronchial valves.

CONCLUSION

The two cases presented illustrate the complexities of PAL management and discuss the treatment options that can be applied to individual patients.

National survey on management of spontaneous pneumothorax from emergency department to specialised treatment: room for improvement

Introduction

Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) affects both young, otherwise healthy individuals and older persons with known underlying pulmonary disease. Initial management possibilities are evolving and range from observation to chest tube insertion. SP guidelines suggest an individualized approach based on multiple factors such as symptoms, size of pneumothorax, comorbidity and patient preference.

Aim

With this Danish national survey we aimed to map organization of care including involved specialties, treatment choice, training, and follow-up plans to identify aspects, and optimization of spontaneous pneumothorax management.

Method

A survey developed by the national interest group for pleural medicine was sent to all departments of emergency medicine, thoracic surgery, respiratory medicine, and to relevant departments of abdominal or orthopaedic surgery.

Results

The response rate was 75 % (47 of 65). Overall, 21% of responding departments had no guideline for SP management, which was provided by multiple specialties with marked heterogeneity in choice of treatment including tube size, management during admission, and referral procedure to follow-up. Few departments required procedure training, and nearly all of the responders called for improvements in management of pneumothorax.

Conclusion

This survey suggests that SP management and care is delivered heterogeneously across Danish hospitals with marked difference between respiratory physicians, emergency physicians, general surgeons and thoracic surgeons. It is therefore likely that management is sub-optimal. There is a need for a common Danish SP guideline to ensure optimal treatment across involved specialties.