The results of thoracoscopic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax

Mechanical and biological properties of poly-ε-caprolactone membrane for pleurodesis: A preclinical study in pigs

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Biomaterial implants are emerging as a treatment choice for pleurodesis; however, the optimal biomaterial and form for managing spontaneous pneumothorax, particularly post-video-assisted thoracic surgery, remain under investigation. This study evaluated the mechanical and biological properties of the poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) membrane as a sclerosing agent for pleurodesis in Landrace pigs.

METHODS

Twenty-four Landrace pigs were split into two groups for mechanical abrasion and PCL membrane pleurodesis, with the latter group's PCL meshes inserted using video-assisted thoracic surgery. The mechanical and biological properties of the PCL membrane were assessed in pigs at three, six, and 12 months after the procedure. This assessment involved a range of techniques, such as the T-Peel test, macroscopic evaluation with a scoring scale, microscopic examination, and biomechanical and molecular weight analysis.

RESULTS

The PCL membrane group outperformed the traditional abrasion group, with stronger adhesions seen over longer implantation durations. This group also showed superior and more consistent results in both macroscopic and microscopic evaluations compared to the control group. The membrane-based method was easier and faster to perform than the control group's method, and importantly, no mortality occurred following membrane implantation.

CONCLUSION

This study is the pioneering effort to present long-term findings regarding the mechanical and biological properties of the PCL membrane in an in vivo animal model. The membrane demonstrated better adhesion ability than that of traditional abrasion and showed reassuring biocompatibility in both the pig model, suggesting its potential as treatment for patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Further clinical studies are needed to support these observations.

Pleural abrasion versus apical pleurectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Surgical approach is the most effective treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The two most widely adopted surgical methods are mechanical abrasion and apical pleurectomy, in addition to bullectomy. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine which technique is superior in treating primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

METHODS

PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies published between January 2000 to September 2022 comparing mechanical abrasion and apical pleurectomy for treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The primary outcome was pneumothorax recurrence. Secondary outcomes included post-operative chest tube duration, hospital length of stay, operative time and intra-operative of blood loss.

RESULTS

Eight studies were eligible for inclusion involving 1,613 patients. There was no difference in the rate of pneumothorax recurrence between pleural abrasion and pleurectomy (RR: 1.34; 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.92). However, pleural abrasion led to shorter hospital length of stay (MD: -0.25; 95% CI: -0.51 to 0.00), post-operative chest tube duration (MD: -0.30; 95% CI: -0.56 to -0.03), operative time (MD: -13.00; 95% CI -15.07 to 10.92) and less surgical blood loss (MD: -17.77; 95% CI: -24.36 to -11.18).

CONCLUSION

Pleural abrasion leads to less perioperative patient burden and shorter hospital length of stay without compromising the rate of pneumothorax recurrence when compared to pleurectomy. Thus, pleural abrasion is a reasonable first choice surgical procedure for management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Polyglycolic acid mesh for preventing post-thoracoscopic bullectomy recurrence

PURPOSE

Thoracoscopic bullectomy is a common treatment modality for spontaneous pneumothorax but can result in a high frequency of postoperative recurrent pneumothorax in young patients. This retrospective study compared the recurrence rate of pneumothorax following conventional thoracoscopic bullectomy to that following bullectomy using a low-density polyglycolic acid mesh to cover the staple line.

METHODS

Group A comprised 237 patients who experienced 294 episodes of pneumothorax and underwent thoracoscopic bullectomy alone, and Group B comprised 130 patients who experienced 155 episodes of pneumothorax and underwent bullectomy with polyglycolic acid mesh used to cover the visceral pleura. To compare the postoperative inflammatory response between the two groups, we measured three inflammatory parameters: highest body temperature after surgery, C-reactive protein level on postoperative day 3, and change in eosinophil count from the day before the surgery to postoperative day 3.

RESULTS

The recurrence rate was significantly lower in Group B than in Group A (2.6% vs. 24.8%, P < 0.000001). All three inflammatory parameters were significantly higher in Group B than in Group A.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a polyglycolic acid mesh covering after thoracoscopic bullectomy resulted in acceptable long-term results (recurrence rate: 2.6%). This method was associated with a slightly elevated inflammatory response.

Lung cryobiopsy and interstitial lung disease: What is its role in the era of multidisciplinary meetings and antifibrotics?

Diagnosing ILD can be complex, and despite detailed evaluation and HRCT imaging, many patients require lung biopsy to help classify their disease. SLB has served as the reference standard for histopathology in ILD, since initial classification schemes were created more than 50 years ago. Frequently, patients are too unwell to undertake SLB and remain unclassifiable, despite the input of expert MDD. This can limit access to therapy and establishment of prognosis. TBLC is an emerging procedure for sampling lung tissue with promising results in research and clinical settings. Although diagnostic yield is not as high as SLB, the risk profile looks to be more acceptable and the accuracy appears to be good. There is increasing evidence for the utility of cryobiopsy in ILD diagnosis, particularly within the MDD. Cryobiopsy serves as an important adjunct for the diagnosis of ILD, enhancing the diagnostic confidence of treating clinicians.

Management of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A Single-center Experience

Background:

The prevalence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax is high in the Arab region. There is a lack of studies from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia highlighting the associated risk factors and demonstrating the effectiveness of surgical management.

Objectives:

To identify risk factors associated with primary spontaneous pneumothorax and to correlate the effectiveness of surgical management with the rate of disease recurrence.

Subjects and Methods:

This retrospective chart review included adult patients who presented with primary spontaneous pneumothorax and were managed at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2014. The results are presented as arithmetic mean for quantitative data, and chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. P ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

In total, 151 patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax were included, with the majority being male (98.7%) and Saudis (88.7%). The mean age was 24 ± 6 years (range: 13–49 years), mean height 171 ± 8 cm (range: 144–193 cm) and mean body mass index 19.2 ± 3.8 kg/m² (range: 13.3–39.0 kg/m²). About 62% of the patients were smokers. Ten patients had an ipsilateral recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax after the first episode was successfully managed. Surgical exploration after the first episode itself was found to significantly reduce the recurrence rate. The study found that in the management of these patients, there was a shift from conventional open thoracotomy to the minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery method.

Conclusions:

The risk factors for primary spontaneous pneumothorax in this study were consistent with the current literature. Surgical exploration after the first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax significantly reduces the recurrence rate and there is a paradigm shift toward a less invasive surgical approach in managing these patients.

Results of repeated video-assisted thoracic surgery for recurrent pneumothorax after primary spontaneous pneumothorax

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify the causes of recurrent pneumothorax and to evaluate the results of repeated video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for recurrent pneumothorax after VATS wedge resection for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP).

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on 188 patients with recurrent PSP, of a population of 1414 patients who underwent VATS wedge resection for PSP. Reoperations were performed when an air leak persisted longer than 3 days after closed thoracostomy, when a visible bulla of greater than 1 cm on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was observed and when rerecurrence took place after other treatments. The HRCT findings before and after recurrence were compared to evaluate the type of the new bulla. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the additional procedure performed during the first operation; in Group I, a coverage procedure was performed, and in Group II, mechanical pleurodesis was performed after VATS wedge resection.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 27.7 months, 76 patients underwent repeated VATS for ipsilateral recurrent PSP after VATS. The indications for repeated VATS were the presence of a bulla on HRCT in 41 patients and a persistent air leak in 35 patients. Group I comprised 36 patients and Group II comprised 40 patients. The HRCT findings showed no bulla in 3 (4%) patients, were suspicious for a bulla in 11 (15%) patients, showed a bulla at the staple line in 26 (34%) patients and showed a new bulla in a location other than on the staple line in 36 (47%) patients. The frequency of new bullae was not different between the 2 groups, but Group I showed a lesser tendency for bullae to occur at the staple line than Group II. Dense fibrosis around the staple line was also found intraoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated VATS was a feasible method to treat recurrent PSP after VATS for PSP.

VATS Partial Pleurectomy Versus VATS Pleural Abrasion: Significant Reduction in Pneumothorax Recurrence Rates After Pleurectomy

Introduction

Surgical treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) usually consists of bullectomy and any form of pleurodesis to reduce risk of disease recurrence. Whether pleurectomy is superior to pleural abrasion is still a matter of debate with recurrence rates especially high when performed with a video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) approach. Aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the two methods in prevention of recurrence of pneumothorax in a minimally invasive setting.

Materials and methods

Between 01/2005 and 12/2015, 107 patients younger than 40 years with PSP underwent VATS bullectomy and either partial pleurectomy or pleural abrasion. Medical records of patients were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Pleural abrasion was performed in 34/107 patients, 73/107 patients underwent partial pleurectomy. There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, body mass index or smoking history at time of surgery. There was no significant difference in major postoperative complications (p = 0.3022). Nine (8.4%) patients had a recurrence of pneumothorax during follow-up. Incidence of recurrence in those undergoing pleural abrasion was significantly higher than those undergoing apical pleurectomy (8/34 vs. 1/73, p < 0.001). Surgical technique was the only factor associated with a recurrence of PSP after surgical intervention.

Discussion

In our analysis, a VATS partial pleurectomy proved to be effective for prevention of recurrent PSP. Recurrence rates were low despite a minimally invasive approach and significantly lower than in the pleural abrasion group. According to these findings, VATS pleurectomy might be considered as the primary choice for surgical pleurodesis in patients with PSP.

Management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a review

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is a common problem faced by doctors in medical practice. It is a significant global health problem affecting adolescent and young adults. This article will review the etiopathology, diagnosis and current management guidelines. It aims to improve clinical practice and compliance to the complexities of procedures involved in management.

SECT Clinical practice guideline on the management of patients with spontaneous pneumothorax

This clinical practice guideline (CPG) emerges as an initiative of the scientific committee of the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery. We formulated PICO (patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome) questions on various aspects of spontaneous pneumothorax. For the evaluation of the quality of evidence and preparation of recommendations we followed the guidelines of the Grading of recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group.

Pleural abrasion should not routinely preferred in treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to find out whether thoracoscopic bullectomy with pleural abrasion (BLPA) could lower the recurrence ratio in primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) patients compared with bullectomy alone.

METHODS

All PSP patients who underwent video assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) bullectomy (120 bullectomy cases) or BLPA (225 BLPA cases) in our department between 2008.1 and 2013.12 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data, perioperative data, and follow-up information were collected. Propensity score analysis was used in balancing preoperative factors between groups.

RESULTS

Three hundred and forty five patients (283 men and 62 women) with an average age of 27 (27.32±11.41) years old underwent 120 bullectomy and 225 BLPA in this study. There was no mortality or significant complication in both groups. More postoperative drainage (1,170.66±904.02 vs. 528.38±491.49, P<0.01), longer chest tube removal days (6.59±4.29 vs. 4.76±2.67, P<0.01), and more medical cost (4,703.86±1,526.31 vs. 4,204.64±1,203.90, P<0.01) were observed in BLPA group. Significant difference (P=0.02) existed in recurrence rate between BLPA group (3/225, 1.3%) and bullectomy group (7/120, 5.8%). After propensity score match, 114 patients were included in both bullectomy and BLPA groups. More postoperative drainage (1,280.18±1,071.04 vs. 523.55±484.79, P<0.01), longer chest tube removal days (6.53±4.16 vs. 4.69±2.63, P<0.01), and more medical cost (4,700.69±1,591.56 vs. 4,211.45±1,207.7, P<0.01) were observed in BLPA group. There was no significant recurrence difference between BLPA group and bullectomy group (2.6% vs. 5.3%, P=0.30).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with bullectomy, BLPA could provide similar recurrence for PSP patients, but at the price of longer operation days, longer chest tube removal days, and more medical cost, and should not be performed in PSP patients.

Is it possible to standardize the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax? Part 1: etiology, symptoms, diagnostics, minimally invasive treatment

The authors of this report present the history of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) treatment, its etiology, clinical symptoms, and diagnostic methodology. Further, they discuss minimally invasive methods of treating PSP such as thoracentesis and chemical pleurodesis. They discuss the pros and cons of each method, emphasizing that, according to the international recommendations, they should be used as the first line of treatment for PSP.

Covering the staple line with a polyglycolic acid sheet after bullectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax prevents postoperative recurrent pneumothorax

BACKGROUND

Postoperative recurrent pneumothorax (PORP) can arise after surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) that is recurrent or involves prolonged air leakage. In this study, which included 265 patients (279 cases) with PSP who underwent surgery at our department, the percentage of patients that did not experience PORP was compared between a group that underwent bullectomy alone (group A) and a group in which the staple line and the surrounding visceral pleura were covered with a PGA sheet after bullectomy (group B) in order to study the utility of PGA sheets for preventing PORP.

METHODS

Among the patients with PSP who underwent surgery, the cases of 92 patients (98 cases) from Group A and 173 patients (181 cases) from Group B were reviewed retrospectively. The incidence rates of PORP in these two groups were statistically analyzed in addition to the associations between PORP and age, gender, the affected side, height, body weight, height/weight ratio, smoking habits, or the surgical procedure.

RESULTS

In total, 96.7% of the patients in group B did not suffer PORP, which was significantly higher than the equivalent figure for group A (83.7%, log-rank test: P=0.0003). Moreover, among the examined parameters, only covering the staple line with a PGA sheet was found to be an independent prognostic factor (Cox regression: P=0.0003; HR =0.212; 95% CI, 0.082-0.547).

CONCLUSIONS

It was revealed that when bullectomy is performed in patients with PSP, wide coverage of the staple line and the surrounding visceral pleura with a PGA sheet significantly reduces the risk of PORP.

Management of large primary spontaneous pneumothorax in children: radiological guidance, surgical intervention and proposed guideline

PURPOSE

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is managed in accordance with the adult British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines due to lack of paediatric evidence and consensus. We aim to highlight the differences and provide a best practice surgical management strategy for PSP based on experience of two major paediatric surgical centres.

METHODS

Retrospective review of PSP management and outcomes from two UK Tertiary Paediatric hospitals between 2004 and 2015.

RESULTS

Fifty children with 55 PSP (5 bilateral) were referred to our Thoracic Surgical Services after initial management: 53% of the needle aspirations failed. Nine children (20%) were associated with visible bullae on the initial chest X-ray. Forty-nine children were assessed with computed tomography scan (CT). Apical emphysematous-like changes (ELC) were identified in 37 children (75%). Ten children had also bullae in the asymptomatic contralateral lungs (20%). In two children (4%), CT demonstrated other lung lesions: a tumour of the left main bronchus in one child; a multi-cystic lesion of the right middle lobe in keeping with a congenital lung malformation in another child. Contralateral asymptomatic ELC were detected in 20% of the children: of those 40% developed pneumothorax within 6 months. Best surgical management was thoracoscopic staple bullectomy and pleurectomy with 11% risk of recurrence. Histology confirmed ELC in 100% of the apical lung wedge resections even in those apexes apparently normal at the time of thoracoscopy.

CONCLUSION

Our experience suggests that adult BTS guidelines are not applicable to children with large PSP. Needle aspiration is ineffective. We advocate early referral to a Paediatric Thoracic Service. We suggest early chest CT scan to identify ELC, for counselling regarding contralateral asymptomatic ELC and to rule out secondary pathological conditions causing pneumothorax. In rare instance if bulla is visible on presenting chest X-ray, thoracoscopy could be offered as primary option.

The effect of pleural abrasion on the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Pleural abrasion has been widely used to control the recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). However, controversy still exists regarding the advantages and disadvantages of pleural abrasion compared with other interventions in preventing the recurrence of PSP.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched up to December 15, 2014 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of pleural abrasion with those of other interventions in the treatment of PSP. The study outcomes included the PSP recurrence rate and the occurrence rate of adverse effects.

RESULTS

Mechanical pleural abrasion and apical pleurectomy after thoracoscopic stapled bullectomy exhibited similarly persistent postoperative air leak occurrence rates (p = 0.978) and 1-year PSP recurrence rates (p = 0.821), whereas pleural abrasion led to reduced residual chest pain and discomfort (p = 0.001) and a smaller rate of hemothorax (p = 0.036) than did apical pleurectomy. However, the addition of minocycline pleurodesis to pleural abrasion did not reduce the pneumothorax recurrence rate compared with apical pleurectomy (3.8% for both procedures) but was associated with fewer complications. There was no statistical difference in the pneumothorax recurrence rate between mechanical pleural abrasion and chemical pleurodesis with minocycline on either an intention-to-treat basis (4 of 42 versus 0 of 42, p = 0.12; Fisher exact test) or after exclusions (2 of 40 versus 0 of 42, p = 0.24; Fisher exact test). Pleural abrasion plus minocycline pleurodesis also did not reduce the pneumothorax recurrence rate compared with pleural abrasion alone (p = 0.055). Moreover, pleural abrasion plus minocycline pleurodesis was associated with more intense acute chest pain. The postoperative overall recurrence rate in patients who underwent staple line coverage with absorbable cellulose mesh and fibrin glue was similar to that with mechanical abrasion after thoracoscopic bullectomy (13.8% vs. 14.2%, respectively; p = 0.555), but staple line coverage resulted in less postoperative residual pain than mechanical abrasion (0.4% vs.3.2%; p<0.0001). Pleural abrasion after thoracoscopic wedge resection did not decrease the recurrence of pneumothorax compared with wedge resection alone (p = 0.791), but the intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pleural drainage rates were higher when pleural abrasion was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to resulting in the same pneumothorax recurrence rate, thoracoscopic pleural abrasion with or without minocycline pleurodesis is safer than apical pleurectomy in the treatment of PSP. However, minocycline pleurodesis with or without pleural abrasion is not any more effective than pleural abrasion alone. Moreover, additional mechanical abrasion is not safer than additional staple line coverage with absorbable cellulose mesh and fibrin glue after thoracoscopic bullectomy because of increased postoperative pain. Additionally, pleural abrasion after thoracoscopic wedge resection should not be recommended for routine application due to the greater incidence of adverse effects than wedge resection alone. However, further large-scale, well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm the best procedure.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery and pneumothorax

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a type of thoracic surgery performed using a small video camera that is introduced into the patient's chest via a scope. It is considered a minimally invasive technique where the surgeon is able to view the instruments that are being used along with the anatomy on which the surgeon is operating. The camera and instruments are inserted through separate holes in the chest wall also known as "ports", depending on the patient and problem there are surgeries with one port "uniport", two or three ports. These small ports have the advantage that fewer infections are observed. This allows for a faster recovery. Traditionally, thoracic surgery performed for diagnosis or treatment of chest conditions has required access to the chest through thoracotomy or sternotomy incisions. Vats minimally invasive technique has replaced in many cases thoracotomy or sternotomy. In our current review we will present this technique in detail.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Pleurectomy in Spontaneous Pneumothorax Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Published experiences with thoracoscopic apical or total pleurectomy for patients with a pneumothorax are limited. We aimed to evaluate the long-term results and effectiveness of pleurectomy in our patients, that vast majority of whom underwent thoracoscopic apical or total pleurectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between January 2001 and December 2010, in the Istanbul University Medical School Department of Thoracic Surgery, 67 patients, consisting of 52 patients with a primary spontaneous pneumothorax and 15 with a secondary spontaneous pneumothorax who underwent 72 processes of thoracoscopic resection of blebs or bullae and pleural symphysis, consisting of 43% total pleurectomy, 42% apical pleurectomy plus pleural abrasion, and 15% non-pleurectomy pleurodesis procedures due to prolonged air leak or recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax, were analyzed retrospectively. The applied pleural procedures were: 1. total pleurectomy 2. apical pleurectomy and pleural abrasion for the remaining parts and 3. non-pleurectomy pleurodesis procedures. The long-term outcomes of patients undergoing the three different pleural procedures were compared.

RESULTS

Total pleurectomy process, apical pleurectomy and abrasion process for remaining parietal pleura, and non-pleurectomy pleurodesis procedures were performed 31, 30, and 11 times, respectively. No recurrence was observed in the total pleurectomy group, 1 recurrence was observed for the apical pleurectomy plus pleural abrasion group, and 2 recurrences were observed for the non-pleurectomy group.

CONCLUSION

Video-assisted thoracoscopic pleurectomy is a safe and effective method in spontaneous pneumothorax surgery. Especially, total pleurectomy has efficient results in the prevention of recurrences.

Risk factors predisposing to prolonged air leak after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax

BACKGROUND

The goal of this prospective study was to determine risk factors for prolonged air leak (PAL) for patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for spontaneous pneumothorax.

METHODS

Between January 2002 and June 2012, a total of 2,292 patients were eligible for enrollment in the study: 1,800 patients had primary spontaneous pneumothorax and 492 patients had secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. There were 312 female and 1,980 male patients with a mean age of 41 years (range, 13 to 85 years). Twenty-three variables were recorded for each patient. The primary endpoint was rate of postoperative PAL (chest tube drainage for >7 days). Statistical evaluation used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 223 (9.73%) cases of postoperative PAL occurred in 2,292 patients. Comparing clinical characteristics between the patients with and without PAL, mean age in the air leak group (59 ± 18 y) was significantly older than that in non-air-leak group (39 ± 18 y) (p < 0.05). Multivariate analyses found 4 variables related to PAL (p < 0.05): age, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, bilateral procedures, and bullae diameter. No significant relationships were found between pleural abrasions and/or talc pleurodesis and PAL.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged air leak is one of the most common complications after spontaneous pneumothorax operations. Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, bilateral procedures, and bullae diameter were risk factors for PAL. Use of talc pleurodesis with pleural abrasion may not decrease the incidence of PAL in VATS spontaneous pneumothorax operation. Talc pleurodesis with pleural abrasion should be used cautiously in patients with significant comorbid conditions or advanced age.

Can preoperative imaging studies accurately predict the occurrence of bullae or blebs? Correlation between preoperative radiological and intraoperative findings

BACKGROUND

Radiological findings of patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) undergoing surgery have not been well analyzed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of imaging studies for predicting the presence of emphysema-like changes (ELCs) detectable during surgery.

METHODS

Ninety-three PSP patients who underwent surgery from September 2005 to October 2009 were included in the study. We analyzed preoperative chest radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings, and compared the findings with intraoperative detection of ELCs. Chest radiographic findings were analyzed by classifying the PSP size into three categories: small, moderate, and complete.

RESULTS

Seventy-six of the 93 patients (82%) had ELCs detected during surgery. The size of the PSP on a radiograph was significantly correlated with the presence of ELCs (p=0.0121). Preoperative CT revealed 64 of the 76 ELCs (sensitivity, 84%; specificity, 100%; accuracy, 87%). Twenty-nine patients without ELCs detected by preoperative CT were analyzed separately. In this group, a larger PSP size also increased the likelihood of ELCs being present (p=0.0049). Seven patients (8%) experienced a recurrence after surgery. No factor could significantly predict recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Chest CT analysis alone was associated with a false-negative rate of about 15% for ELCs. Combining the analysis of chest radiographic and CT findings could improve sensitivity.

Thoracotomy versus VATS: is there an optimal approach to treating pneumothorax?

Introduction

The 2010 British Thoracic Society guidelines recommend that a weighted decision be made by clinicians with regard to surgical intervention for pneumothorax as the video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach is better tolerated by patients but carries a higher rate of recurrence (5% vs 1%).

Methods

Overall, 163 patients underwent surgical intervention for pneumothorax at our institution and data were collected prospectively for almost 7 years. Of these, 86 patients underwent VATS under a single surgeon with extensive VATS experience to compensate for the associated learning curve while 79 patients underwent an open procedure.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in the recurrence rate between the open and the VATS group (1% vs 3.5%, p=1.0). The VATS group was superior to the open group in terms of reduced postoperative bleeding (7.5% vs 0%, p=0.01), reduced number of intensive care unit admissions (16% vs 0%, p<0.01) and a reduced adjusted length of stay (3 vs 5.5 days, p<0.01).

Conclusions

A comparable recurrence rate is attainable with a VATS approach once the learning curve is surpassed and a reduction in morbidity is an additional merit.

In patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery for pleurodesis in primary spontaneous pneumothorax, how long should chest drains remain in place prior to safe removal and subsequent discharge from hospital?

A best evidence topic in thoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was how long chest drains should be left in place following video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) pleurodesis for primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Altogether, a total of 730 papers were found using the reported search, of which eight represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. We report that the main determining factor for the length of hospital stay following VATS pleurodesis is chest-drain duration. Providing no postoperative complications occur, and chest X-ray appearances of lung inflation are satisfactory, there is no documented contraindication to removing chest drains as early as 2 days postoperatively, with discharge the following day. Furthermore, leaving chest drains on water seal after a brief period of suction has been shown to benefit in reducing postoperative chest-drain duration and subsequent hospital stay. There is a paucity of literature directly addressing early vs late chest-drain removal protocols in this patient group. Hence, we conclude that, in clinical practice, the decision of when to remove chest drains postoperatively should remain guided empirically towards the individual patient.

Pediatric spontaneous pneumothorax

Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) occurs when air enters the pleural space in the absence of a traumatic or iatrogenic etiology and is an uncommon phenomenon in the pediatric population. Although the typical presentation has been well described in the literature, much debate still surrounds the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of this condition in the pediatric population. To date, much of the emphasis in the pediatric literature has been on surgical options. Questions still remain regarding the true incidence of this disease in children, appropriate diagnostic imaging, and treatment recommendations for practitioners in the emergency department setting. This review of the evidence seeks to elaborate on current knowledge and clinical practice, as well as the applicability of adult recommendations to the pediatric population.

Thoracoscopic pleurodesis for primary spontaneous pneumothorax with high recurrence risk: a prospective randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety between apical pleurectomy and pleural abrasion with minocycline in primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) with high recurrence risk.

BACKGROUND

The optimal thoracoscopic pleurodesis procedure for PSP with high recurrence risk remains controversial.

METHODS

Between January 2006 and May 2009, a total of 369 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax were treated by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. After stapled bullectomy, 160 patients with no identifiable bleb or multiple blebs (≥3) were randomly chosen to undergo apical pleurectomy (pleurectomy group, 80 patients) or pleural abrasion with minocycline (abrasion/minocycline group, 80 patients).

RESULTS

Patients in the pleurectomy group had a longer operation duration (mean, 81.4 minutes vs 55.8 minutes, P < 0.001), a greater amount of operation bleeding (mean, 29.4 mL vs 13.2 mL, P = 0.025), and a greater amount of postoperative chest drainage (mean, 287.4 mL vs 195.8 mL, P = 0.040). Patients in the abrasion/minocycline group had a higher intensity of chest pain and required more frequent meperidine injections. Hemothorax occurred in 3 pleurectomy patients (3.8%). The short-term results showed that the 2 groups had comparable durations of postoperative chest drainage, durations of postoperative hospital stay, and complication rates. After a mean follow-up of 26.1 months, recurrent ipsilateral pneumothorax occurred in 3 patients (3.8%) in the pleurectomy group and 3 patients (3.8%) in the abrasion/minocycline group. Postoperative long-term residual chest pain and pulmonary function were comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

: Pleural abrasion with minocycline pleurodesis is as effective as apical pleurectomy and either technique is appropriate for treating PSP patients with high recurrence risk. This trial was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT00270751).

Does mechanical pleurodesis result in better outcomes than chemical pleurodesis for recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax?

A best-evidence topic was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether mechanical pleurodesis results in better outcomes in comparison with chemical pleurodesis in patients undergoing surgery for recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax. A total of 542 papers were found using the reported searches, of which 6 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, date, journal, study type, population, main outcome measures and results are tabulated. The studies found compared the outcomes of mechanical and chemical pleurodesis and also focused on the outcomes of the different methods of mechanical pleurodesis: pleural abrasion and pleurectomy. Reported measures were operative mortality, mean operation time, post-operative bleeding, persistent air leaks, chest drain duration, pain levels, pneumonia, respiratory failure, wound infection, pulmonary function, re-exploration for bleeding and air leak, hospital stay, recurrence and re-operation for recurrence. One large cohort study compared the outcomes of mechanical and chemical talc pleurodesis and reported a significant reduction in recurrence with talc pleurodesis in comparison with pleurectomy (1.79 vs. 9.15%, P = 0.00018). Another large cohort study, analysing pleural abrasion, pleurectomy and talc pleurodesis, both in isolation and in combination with apical bullectomy, reported the highest rate of recurrence in bullectomy plus abrasion patients (1.4%) followed by bullectomy plus talc pleurodesis patients (0.4%). No recurrence was seen with other techniques. The reported freedom from surgery at 10-year follow-up was 98.9% with talc pleurodesis, 97.5% with pleurectomy and 96.4% with pleural abrasion, however, with no statistical significance. A prospective randomized study, a retrospective case series review and two smaller cohort studies compared the outcomes of pleural abrasion and pleurectomy as different techniques of mechanical pleurodesis and reported statistically significant shorter operation times, lower rates of post-operative bleeding, re-exploration and pain observed with pleural abrasion and lower rates of recurrence with pleurectomy. Three studies reported the outcomes of apical bullectomy or wedge resection with recurrence rates ranging from 0.4 to 6.2%. We conclude that there is a very similar outcome profile in the comparison of mechanical and chemical pleurodesis, with modest evidence suggesting lower rates of recurrence with chemical talc pleurodesis.

[Treatment specifics for spontaneous pneumothorax in flight personnel]

Spontaneous pneumothorax is one cause of aeronautical unfitness in flight personnel, because of the risk of recurrence in flight, making it an issue of flight safety. Specific treatment is required for fighter pilots, pilots flying single-pilot and pilots in professional training: surgical synthesis via video-thoracoscopy is obligatory from the first episode. Considering the exposure to an accumulation of aeronautical factors that are likely to encourage pneumothorax recurrence in flight, it is apical pleurectomy together with abrasion of the remaining pleura and resection of bullae/blebs that is required for fighter pilots to allow them to recover aeronautical fitness unrestrictedly. For all other categories of flight personnel, treatment is no different from that of the common patient. Knowledge of these treatment specifics is essential, to avoid unnecessary systematic surgical indication for all flight personnel, or jeopardise professional fitness in some of them due to inappropriate treatment.

Surgery for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) can occur in patients who are suffering from diffuse lung disease. The main cause of SSP is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In contrast to primary spontaneous pneumothorax, SSP is a potentially life-threatening condition because patients with SSP also have limited cardiopulmonary reserve. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of SSP are mandatory. In this review, thoracoscopy, a less invasive surgical treatment for SSP, is discussed from the viewpoint of postoperative morbidity, mortality, and recurrence of SSP.

RECENT FINDINGS

A meta-analysis showed that postoperative recurrence of pneumothorax is more frequently observed following thoracoscopy than following open thoracotomy. Recent studies on thoracoscopic surgery for SSP have shown that the rate of postoperative morbidity is still high (15-27.7%) and thoracoscopy is sometimes replaced with open thoracotomy because of dense pleural adhesion or inability to maintain one-lung ventilation during surgery. However, many thoracic surgeons prefer to perform thoracoscopic surgery for SSP because it is less invasive than open thoracotomy. Techniques for bullectomy and pleurodesis are currently being adapted to decrease the recurrence rate of pneumothorax.

SUMMARY

Thoracoscopic surgery for the treatment of SSP should be less invasive to reduce postoperative morbidity, and it should also be more effective to reduce the recurrence of pneumothorax.

[The treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax--focusing on the use of videothoracoscopy]

AIMS

Videothoracoscopy plays a leading role in the management of spontaneous pneumothorax. This study evaluates various treatment strategies based on early results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a five-year period 243 (184 male, 59 female, mean age: 37.1 years) patients were treated with spontaneous pneumothorax in 302 cases. In case of partial ptx observation was used in 24 (8%) and aspiration in 6 (2%) patients. Chest drain was inserted in 241 (67.6%) cases. Indications for surgery were recurrence of disease, previous contralateral pneumothorax and failure of drainage. Videothoracoscopy was indicated in 71 (23.5%), Jakoscopy in 5 (1.7%), thoracotomy in 13 (4.3%) cases. The operation was completed with partial pleurectomy in 25, talcum or mechanical pleurodesis in 32 and 3 cases, respectively.

RESULTS

Conservative treatment was successful in 24 (80%) of the 30 conservatively treated cases, while chest drainage succeeded in 204 (84.7%) of the 241 cases. Conversion was needed in 8 (11.3%) cases of the 71 VATS. The remaining 63 patients recovered. Thoracotomy and Jakoscopy were successful in all cases. The postoperative complication rate was 6.3% after VATS, and 7.7% after thoracotomy. Reoperation was performed because bleeding in one case after VATS and thoracotomy. In one case empyema, and in another patient pneumonia developed after VATS. Postoperative bleeding occurred in one case after thoracotomy. The mean hospitalization was 8.5 days after drainage, 9.1 days after VATS and 11.3 days after thoracotomy. The postoperative mortality rate was 1.3% (4 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

In case of spontaneous pneumothorax the first choice of therapy is chest tube drainage. VATS is indicated in case of recurrence, failure of drainage and previous contralateral pneumothorax.

Management of complications of minimally invasive thoracic surgery

Minimally invasive thoracic surgery (MITS) has become part of the modern thoracic surgeon's armamentarium. Its applications include diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and over the past one and a half decades, the scope of MITS has undergone rapid evolution. The role of MITS is well established in the management of pleural and mediastinal conditions, and it is beginning to move beyond diagnostic procedures for lung parenchyma conditions, to gain acceptance as a viable option for primary lung cancer treatment. However MITS poses technical challenges that are quite different from the conventional open surgical procedures. After a brief review of the history of MITS, an overview of the scope of MITS is given. Important examples of diagnostic and therapeutic indications are then discussed, with special emphasis on the potential complications specific to MITS, and their prevention and management.

An apical symphysial technique using a wide absorbable mesh placed on the apex for primary spontaneous pneumothorax

BACKGROUND

The outcome of thoracoscopic bullectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is not satisfactory. To reduce postoperative pneumothorax recurrence after thoracoscopic bullectomy, an effective and easy surgical method is required. We tried a new method using an absorbable mesh that covered the whole apical visceral pleura.

METHODS

A total of 157 sides of 143 patients who underwent stapled bullectomy under thoracoscopy for PSP were reviewed retrospectively. In the apical covering group (group A), a 15 x 15-cm(2) absorbable mesh sheet was placed on the apical visceral pleura with fibrin glue. Patients in group B underwent bullectomy alone. Cumulative postoperative recurrence was compared between the groups. Recurrent cases in group A were examined clinicopathologically.

RESULTS

Group A had 111 cases and group B had 46. There was no operative mortality. Postoperative recurrence occurred in 15 of 157 cases (9.6%): 4 in group A and 11 in group B. The cumulative postoperative 5-year recurrence rate was 3.6% in group A and 23.9% in group B (log-rank test, p = 0.013). In group A, local adhesion was seen at the apical pleurae, and inflammatory changes with foreign body giant cells were seen at the pleura covered with the mesh.

CONCLUSIONS

Placement of a wide absorbable mesh with fibrin glue at the apical visceral pleura significantly reduced postoperative recurrence after thoracoscopic bullectomy for PSP. The mesh was thought to act as a foreign body on the pleura and induce local inflammatory adhesion between the apical pleurae after bullectomy. This was an easy and effective symphysial procedure.

Videothoracoscopic approach to recurrence primary spontaneous pneumothorax: using of electrocoagulation in small bulla/blebs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of electrocoagulation of bullae/blebs and apical pleurectomy via videothoracoscopic approach.

METHODS

We reviewed 42 patients who underwent Videoassisted thoracoscopy (VATS) procedure for recurrence primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) from 200022006. There were 30 male and 12 female patients with a median age of 30 years. The percentage of pneumothorax was calculated median of 60% (British Thoracic Society Guideline - 2003). Thirty-two (76.2%) bullae/blebs were observed with the median diameter of 15 mm (5-30).

RESULTS

Bulla ablation via cauterisation and apical pleurectomy was performed in 32 patients. Ten patients underwent only apical pleurectomy/abrasion because in this group there was not any either bulla or bleb could be found. The median duration of drainage time was 3 days. There was no mortality and complications occurred in five (11.9%) patients. Only two (4.76%) recurrence occurred during the 52 months (5 to 76) median follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Videothoracoscopic bulla ablation with apical pleurectomy is a safe method for recurrence PSP. Especially, if the bulla or bleb is smaller than 20 mm the ablation via cauterisation reduces the expenses of VATS procedure by avoiding the use of stapler devices.

Pneumothorax: an update

Pneumothorax is a relatively common clinical problem which can occur in individuals of any age. Irrespective of aetiology (primary, or secondary to antecedent lung disorders or injury), immediate management depends on the extent of cardiorespiratory impairment, degree of symptoms and size of pneumothorax. Guidelines have been produced which outline appropriate strategies in the care of patients with a pneumothorax, while the emergence of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has created a more accessible and successful tool by which to prevent recurrence in selected individuals. This evidence based review highlights current practices involved in the management of patients with a pneumothorax.

Pneumothorax: an update

Pneumothorax is a relatively common clinical problem which can occur in individuals of any age. Irrespective of aetiology (primary, or secondary to antecedent lung disorders or injury), immediate management depends on the extent of cardiorespiratory impairment, degree of symptoms and size of pneumothorax. Guidelines have been produced which outline appropriate strategies in the care of patients with a pneumothorax, while the emergence of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has created a more accessible and successful tool by which to prevent recurrence in selected individuals. This evidence based review highlights current practices involved in the management of patients with a pneumothorax.

The Wider Scope of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

In the past, rudimentary devices were used to look closely into the chest; currently, advanced video technology, computers, and high-tech electronics are being used to perform many surgical procedures that formerly required a large, open incision. The goal of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is the same as for comparable open procedures, but it is accomplished with less pain, less patient morbidity, and a shorter hospital stay. In addition to evaluating and treating thoracic injuries, VATS has demonstrated effectiveness in detecting and managing many other conditions, such as pleural disease, interstitial lung disease, and thoracic malignancies.

Video assisted thoracic surgery in the management of spontaneous pneumothorax: the current status

Over the past decade, video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has changed the way spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) is managed. Benefits of VATS include less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, and attenuated postoperative inflammatory response are evident compared with open thoracic procedures. Furthermore, the increasing acceptance by patients and referring physicians is testament to its success. Recent studies and the authors decade of experience in management of SP by VATS show that it is quick, safe, and effective, with recurrence rates generally comparable to open procedures, with some exceptions. However, selecting the correct procedure and patient, as well as knowing the limitations of the surgeons and techniques are paramount for success. Even to this day, there are considerable variations in the treatment of SP and large scale controlled studies are needed to better define timing of surgery and the role of the different procedures in the treatment and prevention of SP.

Position of a chest tube at video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax

BACKGROUND

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a good therapeutic option for young patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP), but there sometimes exists unexpected prolonged hospital stay due to air leak after the operation.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this retrospective study was to clarify if the position of the chest tube placed at VATS for PSP affected the periods of postoperative hospital stay.

METHODS

Seventy-one cases with PSP under age 40 who undertook VATS from January 1994 to February 2001 were examined for several factors. They were classified into two groups by the location of the tip of the chest tube placed at VATS as follows: upper medial pleural space (group I) and outside of there (group II).

RESULTS

Fifty-three of the 71 cases (75%) were classified in group I and 18 (25%) were in group II. Between the two groups, there were no differences as to preoperative characteristics of the patients and intraoperative findings of blebs or bullae. On the other hand, postoperative air leak-related complications were more frequent in group II than in group I (p=0.004). Mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.1+/-1.9 days in group I and 8.4+/-4.3 days in group II (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with the tip of the chest tube in the upper medial pleural space at VATS could be discharged earlier than the other patients. The chest tube placement is one of the important factors for the outcome of VATS for PSP.

Modified needlescopic video-assisted thoracic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax : the long-term effects of apical pleurectomy versus pleural abrasion

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of modified needlescopic video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for treating primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The efficacy between apical pleurectomy and pleural abrasion through this technique was also compared.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2003, 65 patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax underwent modified needlescopic VATS procedures. The blebs were resected with endoscopic linear staplers. Pleurodesis was achieved by apical pleurectomy before September 2002 (n = 30) and by pleural abrasion for the remainder of the study period (n = 35).

RESULTS

Mean operation time was 103 min in the pleurectomy group and 78 min in the abrasion group (p = 0.001). Complications developed in four patients (6.2%): prolonged air leaks in three patients and wound infection in one patient. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.8 +/- 1.8 days. The two groups had comparable doses of requested analgesics, complication rates, postoperative chest tube and hospital stays, and postoperative pulmonary function test. Ipsilateral recurrence did not occur in any of the pleurectomy group patients after a mean follow-up of 31 months, but it occurred in three patients (8.6%) in the abrasion group after a mean follow-up of 19 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Modified needlescopic VATS provides a feasible and safe procedure for treating primary spontaneous pneumothorax. In terms of efficacy, apical pleurectomy is more effective in preventing ipsilateral recurrence than pleural abrasion.

Factors related to recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify factors associated with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) in southern China, and to compare the therapeutic effectiveness of different procedures.

METHODS

A total of 182 consecutive patients (89.0% male; mean age, 38.9 years), admitted with their first episode of pneumothorax, were reviewed retrospectively. Follow up was available in 138 patients (75.8%), including 68 treated by chemical pleurodesis and 70 by chest tube drainage alone. The cumulative recurrence rates with different therapeutic procedures and different chemical sclerosing agents were compared, and the factors that influenced the recurrence rate were analysed using Cox's proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

The most common pre-existing lung disease responsible for pneumothorax was COPD (69.7%), followed by tuberculosis (16.5%). Recurrence was significantly more common in taller patients, patients with lower weight, and patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. The cumulative recurrence rates in the pleurodesis therapy group after 6 months, 1 and 3 years were 13, 16 and 27%, respectively, whereas in the chest tube drainage group the recurrence rates were 26, 33 and 50%, respectively (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate for those receiving tetracycline compared with those who received gentamicin.

CONCLUSIONS

Spontaneous pneumothorax patients who are taller, weigh less or have secondary spontaneous pneumothorax are more likely to have recurrences. The risk of recurrence is reduced in patients who undergo chemical pleurodesis. Since there was no significant difference between intrapleural tetracycline and gentamicin, gentamicin should be considered as a potential chemical sclerosing agent.

Axillary thoracotomy versus videothoracoscopy for the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax

BACKGROUND

A prospective, randomized study was carried out on patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax, with the aim of determining if video-assisted thoracoscopy is superior to axillary thoracotomy in the surgical treatment of this condition.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to two groups; video-assisted thoracoscopy (group A; n = 46) and axillary thoracotomy (group B; n = 44). All fit the established criteria for surgical indication (relapse or persistent air leakage after pleural drainage). In all cases the treatment consisted of apical segmentectomy of the blebs or dystrophic complex and pleural mechanical abrasion. The study evaluated the following factors: postoperative blood loss, respiratory function (maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures, forced expiratory volume in the first second and forced vital capacity), postoperative pain (analog visual scale), supplementary doses of analgesics, postoperative complications, hospital stay, and resumption of normal activity. Relapses were evaluated for the minimum period of time of two years.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in any of the factors studied in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Video-assisted thoracoscopy and axillary thoracotomy offer similar results in the surgical treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The rate of complication is low and the level of pain is acceptable without long-term sequelae.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) pleurodesis for pneumothorax

Spontaneous pneumothorax is a common condition that impacts significantly on healthcare expenditure. Its optimal management, however, remains a subject of considerable controversy. The proven safety and efficacy of minimal access video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has changed the way we manage this condition. We present VATS pleurodesis utilizing the endoscopic stapling technique for the management of spontaneous pneumothorax.

Effects of timing of thoracoscopic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax on prognosis and costs

BACKGROUND

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax recurs frequently. Timing of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to prevent recurrence is controversial and long-term costs remain inconclusive.

METHODS

We constructed a Markov model to assess the effect of different timings for surgery on health status, costs, and cost effectiveness from the payers' perspective in Japan.

RESULTS

During 1-year follow-up, the proportions of patients who underwent surgery after the first and second drainage were 46% and 36%, respectively. Average 1-year cost for surgery at the first episode was highest (U.S. dollars 6556), followed by the second (U.S. dollars 2988) and the third (U.S. dollars 2532). Incremental cost for surgery at the first episode compared with the second and that at the second episode compared with the third were U.S. dollars 30564 and U.S. dollars 29915 per quality-adjusted life year, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed utility and length of hospital stay for surgery have the strongest effect on incremental cost.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracoscopic surgery at the first episode significantly increased costs, but could be acceptable from a cost-effectiveness perspective.

Lung wedge resection improves outcome in stage I primary spontaneous pneumothorax

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the role of apical lung wedge resection in patients with recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax with no endoscopic abnormalities at surgery as compared with simple apical pleurectomy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis on 126 consecutive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) procedures in 113 patients treated for stage I recurrent PSP between January 1994 and December 2001. Two surgical strategies were applied: simple apical pleurectomy (57 procedures, 45.2%: group A) and apical pleurectomy together with an apical lung wedge resection (69 procedures, 54.8%: group B).

RESULTS

Mean duration of chest tubes was 1.4 days (range, 1 to 7), mean hospital stay was 2.4 days. Three patients (2.4%) required redo VATS, 2 in group A (3.5%) for persistent air leak and 1 (1.4%) in group B for apical hematothorax. Mean follow-up was 38.7 months. Overall recurrence rate was 3.2%. Four patients in group A (7%) experienced recurrent ipsilateral pneumothoraces 4 to 73 weeks (mean, 30.2) after surgery. No recurrences were observed in group B (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

In this selected group of patients without endoscopical abnormalities, VATS offers low recurrence rates. However, these data suggest that apical pleurectomy should be accompanied by apical lung wedge resection even for this favorable category of patients.

Staple line coverage with absorbable mesh after thoracoscopic bullectomy for spontaneous pneumothorax

BACKGROUND

Thoracoscopic simple bullectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) has a relatively high postoperative recurrence rate and sometimes results in postoperative air leakage. One of the reasons for postoperative recurrence is the regrowth of bullae around the staple line. Therefore, reinforcement of the visceral pleura around the staple line is a reasonable way to prevent postoperative air leaks and recurrence. This study was done to determine the efficacy in preventing postoperative air leak and recurrent pneumothorax of widely covering the staple line with absorbable mesh after thoracoscopic bullectomy.

METHODS

Wide coverage of the staple line with absorbable mesh was performed on 114 patients with PSP. These patients were retrospectively compared with 126 patients who underwent thoracoscopic simple bullectomy alone.

RESULTS

The postoperative duration of chest drainage in the coverage group (mean, 1 day; range, 0-5) was significantly shorter than that in the simple bullectomy group (mean, 3 days; range 0-20). A prolonged air leak (>7 days) occurred in six patients in the simple bullectomy group, but there were no such leaks in the coverage group. Recurrent pneumothorax occurred in three patients (2.6%) in the coverage group and 12 patients (9.5%) in the simple bullectomy group.

CONCLUSION

Wide coverage of the staple line with absorbable mesh is effective in preventing postoperative air leak and in decreasing the recurrence rates of PSP.