ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Chirurgia 2004 February;17(1):11-4

Copyright © 2004 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax: short and long-term results of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Cecere C., Cicalese M., Maietta P., De Luca G., Liberti D.

Aim. To assess the validity of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) and to evaluate the short and long-term results.
Methods. Fifty-eight patients (43 male, 15 female), aged 16-60 (mean 30 years), with PSP were studied retrospectively. The interventions were performed under general anesthesia; the patients were placed in the lateral decubitus position with a double lumen endotracheal tube in place. Three 12 mm trocars were placed: the 1st in the 6th intercostal space at the middle axillary line, the 2nd in the 5th intercostal space at the anterior axillary line, the 3rd in the 6th space at the posterior axillary line. Blebectomy was performed using an endoscopic stapling device. Endoscopic pleurodesis was performed by mechanical abrasion. Statistical analysis was assessed by means of x2 or Fisher's test; value of p<0.05 was considered to be of statistical significance.
Results. Postoperative hospital stay ranged from 3 to 16 days (mean 5); light complications were observed in 5 patients. The long-term follow-up, ranged from 8 to 129 months (mean 51.8), regarded 45 (77%) of 58 patients. The recurrence of pneumothorax was observed in 2 patients (4,4%).
Conclusions. The short- and long-term results suggest VATS can be an excellent treatment option for primary spontaneous pneumothorax.