Fecopneumothorax secondary to a late traumatic diaphragmatic injury

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias were first described by Ambroise Paré in 1579, who reported the case of an artillery captain, that presented an intestinal perforation that had caused a diaphragmatic hernia (Bhatti and Dawani, 2015). The timely diagnosis of a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia can be a challenge, which requires extensive knowledge of the kinematics of trauma, as well as clinical and radiological evidence (Petrone et al., 2017). We present the case of a 60-year-old male who presented blunt abdominal trauma due to a traffic accident, causing an undetected diaphragmatic hernia in his initial evaluation; months after de incident goes to the emergency room (ER) with hemodynamic instability and septic shock. A diagnosis of complicated diaphragmatic hernia and fecopneumothorax is made, for which he undergoes surgery.

Postoperative management of spontaneous pneumothorax in arthroscopic shoulder superior capsular reconstruction: A case report and review of literature / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction is an innovative technique for the irreparable rotator cuff tears, but spontaneous pneumothorax after surgery is very rare. The present case was a 66-year-old female with irreparable rotator cuff tears of the right shoulder, treated with the arthroscopic shoulder superior capsular reconstruction. The general anesthesia and operation went smoothly, but the patient experienced stuffiness in the chest and shortness of breath after recovery from anesthesia. Thoracic CT scans showed spontaneous pneumothorax in the right side, which was successfully treated by the conservative treatments (oxygen therapy) according to multidisciplinary team. Prompt and accurate early-stage diagnosis is necessary in controlling postoperative complications and standardized treatment is the key to relieve the suffering. Spontaneous pneumothorax after arthroscopic shoulder surgery has been rarely reported in previous literatures.

Hallazgos tomográficos posoperatorios en pacientes con traumatismos torácicos / Tomographic postoperative findings in patients with thoracic trauma

Introducción: El trauma torácico se encuentra entre las primeras causas de muerte, fundamentalmente en personas jóvenes. Objetivos: Caracterizar a una población operada por traumatismos torácicos según variables clinicoepidemiológicas y describir los hallazgos tomográficos posquirúrgicos. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional y descriptivo de 48 pacientes atendidos en el Servicio de Radiología del Provincial Clínico-Quirúrgico Docente Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba, de enero del 2016 a diciembre del 2018, a los cuales se les realizó tomografía computarizada multidetector. Resultados: Los traumas torácicos predominaron en personas jóvenes del sexo masculino, asociadas fundamentalmente a acciones violentas que provocaron traumas abiertos. La contusión pulmonar resultó ser el hallazgo tomográfico inicial más frecuente, en tanto, el neumotórax persistente y el hemotórax coagulado constituyeron los hallazgos tomográficos más influyentes en la decisión de una reintervención quirúrgica. Conclusiones: La tomografía es un medio diagnóstico que permite una descripción detallada del estado posoperatorio de los órganos afectados, con un alto valor orientativo para decidir procedimientos quirúrgicos posteriores.

Introduction: The thoracic trauma is among the first causes of death, fundamentally in young people. Objectives: To characterize a population operated due to thoracic trauma according to clinical epidemiological variables and describe the postsurgical tomographic findings. Methods: An observational and descriptive study of 48 patients assisted in the Radiology Service of Saturnino Lora Teaching Clinical Surgical Provincial Hospital was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, from January, 2016 to December, 2018, to whom a multidetector computed tomography was carried out. Results: The thoracic traumas prevailed in young male people, fundamentally associated with violent actions that caused open traumas. The lung contusion was the most frequent initial tomographic finding, as long as, the persistent pneumothorax and the coagulated hemothorax constituted the most influential tomographic findings in the decision of a surgical reintervention. Conclusions: Tomography is a diagnostic means that allows a detailed description of the postoperative state in the affected organs, with a high orientative value to decide later surgical procedures.

An experimental pleural drainage device in hypertensive pneumothorax

ABSTRACT Purpose To develop a specific device for pleural drainage in hypertensive pneumothorax. Methods The prototype was modeled from the free version of a 3D modeling application, printed on a 3D printer using ABS® plastic material, and tested in a pleural drainage simulator. Results Pleural drainage in the simulator using the prototype was feasible and reproducible. Conclusions While the prototype is functional in the simulator, it requires improvement and refinement for use in humans.

Anestesia y ventilación unipulmonar para bullectomía mínimamente invasiva. A propósito de un caso / Case report: Anesthesia and single lung ventilation for minimally invasive bullectomy

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an underdiagnosed disease; it is one of the pulmonary diseases with the greatest impact on health worldwide. Objective: To describe the anesthetic conduct carried out in a patient who undergoes surgical intervention to practice bullectomy of the right lung. Clinical case: We present the case of a 42-year-old smoker who was admitted a month ago with bilateral pneumothorax due to emphysematous bullae. He underwent anesthesia and multimodal analgesia to undergo bullectomy, achieving a good recovery and without complications. Conclusions: The use of controlled ventilation strategies in volume control mode regulated by pressure. Combined anesthesia and multimodal analgesia as well as respiratory physiotherapy in patients who will undergo surgery to perform bullectomy is a good anesthetic strategy that guarantees an adequate recovery of the patient.

Introducción: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica es una enfermedad infradiagnosticada, es uno de los padecimientos pulmonares con mayor repercusión en la salud a nivel mundial. Objetivo: Describir la conducta anestésica llevada a cabo en un paciente que se interviene quirúrgicamente para practicarle bullectomía de pulmón derecho. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 42 años de edad, fumador que ingresa hace un mes con neumotórax bilateral por bullas enfisematosas, se le realiza anestesia y analgesia multimodal, para realizarle bullectomía, logrando una buena recuperación del mismo y sin complicaciones. Conclusiones: La utilización de estrategias de ventilación controladas en modalidad volumen control regulada por presión. Anestesia combinada y analgesia multimodal, además, de una fisioterapia respiratoria en pacientes que serán operados para realizarles bullectomía es una buena estrategia anestésica que garantiza una adecuada recuperación del enfermo.

Etiology of primary spontaneous pneumothorax / A etiologia do pneumotórax espontâneo primário

ABSTRACT With the advent of HRCT, primary spontaneous pneumothorax has come to be better understood and managed, because its etiology can now be identified in most cases. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is mainly caused by the rupture of a small subpleural emphysematous vesicle (designated a bleb) or of a subpleural paraseptal emphysematous lesion (designated a bulla). The aim of this pictorial essay was to improve the understanding of primary spontaneous pneumothorax and to propose a description of the major anatomical lesions found during surgery.

RESUMO Com o advento da TCAR, o pneumotórax espontâneo primário passou a ser mais bem entendido e conduzido, pois sua etiologia pode ser atualmente identificada na maioria dos casos. O pneumotórax espontâneo primário tem como principal causa a rotura de uma pequena vesícula enfisematosa subpleural, denominada bleb ou de uma lesão enfisematosa parasseptal subpleural, denominada bulla. O objetivo deste ensaio pictórico foi melhorar o entendimento do pneumotórax espontâneo primário e propor uma descrição das principais lesões anatômicas encontradas durante a cirurgia.

Primary spontaneous haemopneumothorax: An overlooked emergency.

Primary spontaneous haemopneumothorax (PSHP) is a rare condition. Potentially grave consequences do occur as a result of a failure to reach the diagnosis early. We report a case of a 17-year-old male who presented with a picture of PSHP but was later also found to have a component of haemothorax. He underwent thoracoscopy which was converted to thoracotomy. A torn vascular adhesion was the source of bleeding which was clipped and haemostasis was achieved.

usefulness of two-port video-assisted thoracosopic surgery in low-risk patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax compared with open thoracotomy

Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax is difficult to treat and has been thought to have high morbidity and mortality rate due to the underlying diseases and presence of comorbidities in the patients. However, early surgical intervention will be beneficial if it is tolerable by the patient. In the surgical approach for treating pneumothorax, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery [VATS] may reduce the postoperative drainage period and hospital stay compared with open thoracotomy. A retrospective review of the clinical data of 40 patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax who underwent open thoracotomy [n = 20] or two-port VATS [n = 20] between January 2008 and December 2012 was erformed. Postoperative drainage period of open thoracotomy group and two-port VATS group was 9.85 +/- 5.28 and 6.75 +/- 2.45, respectively, with a significant inter-group difference. Postoperative hospital stay was 11.8 +/- 5.12 in the open thoracotomy group and 8.25 +/- 2.88 in the two-port VATS group, with a significant inter-group difference. Recurrence rate and postoperative complication rate were not significant between the two groups. In selected patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax treated with surgical approach, two-port VATS resulted in shorter postoperative drainage period and hospital stay compared with open thoracotomy

Neumotórax catamenial, una etiología infrecuente de neumotórax espontáneo / Catamenial pneumothorax, an uncommon cause of spontaneous pneumothorax

El neumotórax catamenial se define como un neumotórax espontáneo recurrente que tiene relación con la menstruación. Su incidencia es baja, constituyendo el 3-6 por ciento de los casos de neumotórax espontáneo en la mujer en edad fértil. Puede relacionarse con la presencia de endometriosis torácica y fenestraciones diafragmáticas. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Mujer de 36 años con antecedente de neumotórax derecho hace 9 años. Presentó cuadro de neumotórax espontáneo derecho el cual fue tratado con pleurotomía. Estudio con tomografía computada de tórax mostró bulas apicales en pulmón derecho. Se realizó resección de vértice pulmonar y pleurodesis mecánica por videotoracoscopía. Evolucionó con múltiples recidivas del neumotórax durante los meses siguientes. Las características dela paciente hicieron posible plantear la sospecha de neumotórax catamenial, encontrándose correlación directa entre los episodios de neumotórax y el inicio de la menstruación. Se decidió reintervención quirúrgica por videotoracoscopía. Se observaron lesiones sospechosas de implantes endometriósicos y fenestraciones diafragmáticas. El estudio histopatológico del tejido resecado fue sugerente de tejido endometrial. Se inició además tratamiento hormonal con anovulatorios. Presentó nueva recidiva durante el mes siguiente, la cual fue tratada con pleurotomía. Actualmente se encuentra asintomática a 6 meses de seguimiento. DISCUSIÓN: El neumotórax catamenial es un tipo infrecuente de neumotórax espontáneo secundario. Se plantean múltiples hipótesis para explicar su etiopatogenia. El antecedente de neumotórax espontáneo recidivado en una mujer en edad fértil, obliga a sospecharlo evaluando la relación con los ciclos menstruales...

Catamenial pneumothorax is defined as a recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax related with menstruation. Its incidence is low, being 3-6 percent of cases of spontaneous pneumothorax in women of reproductive age. It has been related with thoracic endometriosis and diaphragmatic fenestrations. Multiple hypotheses are proposed to explain its pathogenesis. Case report: A 36 year old woman with a history of right pneumothorax9 years ago. She presented a right spontaneous pneumothorax which was treated with pleurotomy. Chest computed tomography showed apical bullae in the right lung. Resection of lung apex and mechanical pleurodesis by videothoracoscopywas performed. During the following months, she presented multiple recurrences of pneumothorax. Patient characteristics made possible the suspicion of catamenial pneumothorax. Direct correlation between episodes of pneumothorax and the onset of menstruation was found. Reoperation by videothoracoscopy was decided. During the surgery, lesions suspected of endometriosis implants and diaphragmatic fenestrations were observed. Histopathological study of the resected tissue was suspected of endometrial tissue. Hormonal treatment with oral contraceptive pills was also initiated. The following month, shewas submitted with a new pneumothorax episode which was treated with a chest tube. Currently the patient is asymptomatic 6 months follow up. Discussion: Catamenial pneumothorax is an uncommon cause of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. Multiple hypotheses are proposed to explain its pathogenesis. A history of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax in a woman of reproductive age requires the evaluation of the relationship with menstrual cycles...

Bulectomia bilateral por cirurgia torácica vídeo-assistida uniportal combinada com acesso contralateral ao mediastino anterior / Bilateral bullectomy through uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery combined with contralateral access to the anterior mediastinum

OBJETIVO: A cirurgia torácica vídeo-assistida (CTVA) tem sido uma intervenção de escolha para o tratamento de pneumotórax espontâneo (PS) com bolha pulmonar. Nosso objetivo foi apresentar uma abordagem de CTVA uniportal unilateral para bulectomia bilateral e avaliar sua eficácia terapêutica. MÉTODOS: Entre maio de 2011 e janeiro de 2012, cinco pacientes foram submetidos a bulectomia bilateral por essa abordagem. Todos apresentavam PS bilateral. A TCAR pré-operatória mostrou que todos os pacientes tinham bolhas bilaterais no pulmão apical. As indicações cirúrgicas, os procedimentos de operação e os desfechos foram revisados. RESULTADOS: Todos os pacientes foram submetidos com sucesso a essa abordagem para bulectomia bilateral, sem complicações intraoperatórias. A mediana de tempo para a retirada do dreno torácico foi de 4,2 dias, e a mediana do tempo de hospitalização no pós-operatório foi de 5,2 dias. A mediana de seguimento pós-operatório foi de 11,2 meses. Um paciente teve recidiva de PE do lado esquerdo três semanas após a cirurgia e foi submetido a abrasão pleural. CONCLUSÕES: A bulectomia bilateral utilizando CTVA uniportal combinada com acesso contralateral ao mediastino anterior é tecnicamente confiável e promove desfechos favoráveis para pacientes com PS que desenvolvem bolhas bilaterais no pulmão apical. Entretanto, para a realização desse procedimento cirúrgico, são necessários cirurgiões com experiência em CTVA, instrumentos toracoscópicos longos, entre outras exigências.

OBJECTIVE: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been a surgical intervention of choice for the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) with lung bulla. Our objective was to introduce a uniportal VATS approach for simultaneous bilateral bullectomy and to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy. METHODS: Between May of 2011 and January of 2012, five patients underwent bilateral bullectomy conducted using this approach. All of the patients presented with bilateral SP. Preoperative HRCT revealed that all of the patients had bilateral apical bullae. We reviewed the surgical indications, surgical procedures, and outcomes. RESULTS: All of the patients were successfully submitted to this approach for bilateral bullectomy, and there were no intraoperative complications. The median time to chest tube removal was 4.2 days, and the median length of the postoperative hospital stay was 5.2 days. The median postoperative follow-up period was 11.2 months. One patient experienced recurrence of left SP three weeks after the surgery and underwent pleural abrasion. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral bullectomy through uniportal VATS combined with contralateral access to the anterior mediastinum is technically reliable and provides favorable surgical outcomes for patients with bilateral SP who develop bilateral apical bullae. However, among other requirements, this surgical procedure demands that surgeons be experienced in VATS and that the appropriate thoracoscopic instruments are available.

Comparison of techniques for transdiaphragmatic thoracic drainage after diaphragmatic defect closure in dogs: a cadaveric study

Four thoracic evacuation techniques for pneumothorax elimination after diaphragmatic defect closure were compared in 40 canine cadavers. After creating a defect in the left side of the diaphragm, thoracic drainage was performed by thoracostomy tube insertion through the defect and a small (DD-SP) or large (DD-LP) puncture created in the caudal mediastinum, or through both the diaphragmatic defect and intact contralateral diaphragm with a small (DI-SP) or large (DI-LP) puncture in made in the caudal mediastinum. Differences in intrapleural pressure (IPP) between the right and left hemithoraxes after air evacuation along with differences in IPP before making a defect and after air evacuation in each hemithorax were calculated. A difference (p or = 0.0835) were observed for the DI-LP, DD-LP, or DI-SP groups. Creation of a large mediastinal puncture or thoracic evacuation through both a diaphragmatic defect and intact contralateral diaphragm can facilitate proper pneumothorax elimination bilaterally after diaphragmatic defect closure in dogs with a small puncture in the caudal mediastinum.

Pneumothorax, music and balloons: a case series

We describe two cases of spontaneous pneumothorax in young healthy adults with no underlying structural lung disease. The onset of pneumothorax was following physical activity including playing musical instruments and blowing of balloons. There is sparse data evaluating the pathophysiology of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in relation to increased mouth pressures. These cases highlight the possible physical effect of valsalva manoeuvre on transpulmonary pressures, and the potential risk of developing pneumothorax in otherwise healthy individuals. This aspect of pneumothorax development is worthy of further exploration, to better elucidate the mechanism and enhance our understanding of this common respiratory presentation

Cirugía torácica videoasistida en el manejo del neumotórax persistente, secundario a herida por proyectil de arma de fuego, en un paciente pediátrico / Video-assisted thoracic surgery in the management of persistent pneumothorax by gunshot in paediatric patient

La cirugía mínimamente invasiva ha tomado un papel preponderante en el abordaje inicial del paciente con trauma torácico. Se presenta el primer caso nacional de un paciente pediátrico con neumotórax persistente, resuelto satisfactoriamente mediante cirugía torácica video-asistida.

Experiencia inicial en videotoracoscopía: Hospital Base Osorno / Initial experience in videothoracoscopy: Base Hospital Osorno

Introducción: La videotoracoscopía constituye un abordaje mínimamente invasivo del tórax de gran desarrollo en las últimas décadas, permitiendo la realización de prácticamente todos los procedimientos quirúrgicos del tórax. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar nuestra experiencia inicial con el uso de la videotoracoscopía, sus resultados y realizar una revisión de la literatura. Material y métodos: Se revisó una serie de casos retrospectiva de todos los pacientes intervenidos por vía videotoracoscópica en el Hospital Base Osorno, entre Octubre del 2005 y Septiembre del 2011. Resultados: Se realizaron 31 videotoracoscopías en 29 pacientes. Dieciocho (62 por ciento) pacientes fueron de sexo masculino y 11 (28 por ciento) de sexo femenino. La edad promedio fue de 46,2 +- 16 años de edad. Las indicaciones más frecuentes fueron: estudio de nódulos pulmonares sospechosos de metástasis, empiema pleural y derrame pleural en estudio. Los procedimientos realizados con mayor frecuencia fueron debridaje y aseo, biopsia incisional y biopsia en cuña de nódulos pulmonares. El tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 80,1 +- 43,4 minutos. El tiempo de hospitalización post operatoria promedio fue de 10 +- 10,1 días (rango 1 a 36 días). No hubo mortalidad perioperatoria en la serie. Discusión: Nuestros resultados son satisfactorios y acorde a los reportados en la literatura.

Introduction: the video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) is a minimally invasive approach to thoracic surgery with a great development in recent decades, allowing the performance of almost all thoracic surgical procedures. The aim of this study is to present our initial experience with the use of VATS, its results and review the literature. Material and methods: We reviewed a retrospective case series of all patients undergoing VATS in the Hospital Base Osorno between October 2005 and September 2011. Results: We performed 31 VATS in 29 patients. Eighteen (62 percent patients were male and 11 (28 percent female. The average age was 46.2 +- 16 years. The most frequent indications were: study of suspected pulmonary metastasis, pleural empyema and pleura effusion. The most frequently performed procedures were drainage, incisional biopsy and wedge biopsy of lung nodules. The mean operative time was 80.1 +- 43.4 minutes. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 10 +- 10.1 days (range 1 to 36 days). There was no mortality. Discussion: Our results are satisfactory and consistent with those reported in the literature.

Algoritmo para el tratamiento del neumotórax traumático: experiencia de 10 años / Algorithm for treatment of traumatic pneumothorax: ten-years experience

INTRODUCCIÓN. La conducta ante un neumotórax tiene como objetivos fundamentales el alivio de los síntomas y evitar las complicaciones propias de esta entidad. El tratamiento puede ir desde el conservador hasta la resección pleural, y depende de la causa, intensidad del neumotórax, síntomas del paciente y enfermedades asociadas. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar el comportamiento del neumotórax espontáneo y traumático y evaluar su tratamiento. MÉTODOS. Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico, con elementos analíticos, descriptivo, retro y prospectivo, de corte longitudinal, en 154 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico radiológico de neumotórax, que fueron atendidos entre octubre de 1998 y diciembre de 2008 siguiendo un algoritmo de trabajo confeccionado con esta finalidad. La muestra estudiada estuvo compuesta por 154 pacientes. RESULTADOS. En el estudio predominó el sexo masculino, el hábito de fumar y el tipo de neumotórax traumático. La pleurotomía mínima fue efectiva en el 94,8 por ciento de los pacientes. Los neumotórax traumáticos fueron en total 126 (81,2 por ciento). De éstos, 120 (77,9 por ciento) fueron producidos por heridas por arma blanca y contusiones y 6 fueron iatrogénicos (3,8 por ciento). La complicación más frecuente después de pleurotomía fue la obstrucción de la sonda pleural. CONCLUSIONES. El tratamiento médico, la pleurotomía mínima indiferente, la pleurotomía mínima alta y la pleurodesis química tuvieron una efectividad de entre el 90 y el 100 por ciento. Predominaron las variedades de neumotórax traumáticos. Las indicaciones de toracotomía en esta serie fueron por neumotórax persistente y recidivante, y traumático(AU)

INTRODUCTION. The proceed in the face of a pneumothorax has as fundamental objectives the symptoms relief and to avoid the complications typical of this entity. The treatment could be of conservative type up to the pleural resection depending on the cause, its intensity, symptoms of patient, and associated diseases. The objective of present paper was to analyze the behavior of he spontaneous and traumatic pneumothorax and also to assess its treatment.. METHODS. A multi-center study was conducted using analytical, descriptive, retrospective and prospective, cross-sectional elements in 154 patients with clinical, radiological diagnosis of the pneumothorax seen between October, 1998 and December, 2008, following the work algorithm designed for this aim. Study sample included 154 patients. RESULTS. In present study there was predominance of male sex, smoking and the type of traumatic pneumothorax. The minimal pleurotomy was effective in the 94,8 percent of patients. The traumatic pneumothorax were 126 (81,2 percent). From these, 120 (77,9 percent) were caused by firearms wounds and contusions and six were of iatrogenic type (3,8 percent. The more frequent complication after pleurotomy was the pleural tube obstruction. CONCLUSIONS. The medical treatment, indifferent minimal pleurotomy, the high minimal pleurotomy and the chemical pleurodesis had a effectiveness between the 90 and the 100 percent. There was predominance of several types of traumatic pneumothorax in this series, thoracotomy indications were due to a persistent, traumatic, relapsing pneumothorax(AU)

Toracoscopia em crianças com derrame pleural parapneumônico complicado na fase fibrinopurulenta: estudo multi-institucional / Thoracoscopy in children with complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion at the fibrinopurulent stage: a multi-institutional study

Objetivo: Determinar a eficácia da toracoscopia em crianças com derrame pleural parapneumônico complicado (DPPC) na fase fibrinopurulenta. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de 99 crianças submetidas à toracoscopia paratratamento de DPPC na fase fibrinopurulenta entre novembro de 1995 e julho de 2005. A média de idade foi de 2,6 anos (variação, 0,4-12 anos) e 60% eram do sexo masculino. A toracoscopia foi realizada em três hospitais diferentes utilizando-se o mesmo algoritmo de tratamento. Resultados: A toracoscopia foi eficaz em 87 crianças (88%) e 12 (12%) necessitaram de outro procedimento cirúrgico: nova toracoscopia (n = 6) ou toracotomia/pleurostomia (n = 6). O tempo médio de drenagem torácica foi de 3 dias nas crianças em que a toracoscopia foi efetiva e de 10 dias naquelas que precisaram de outro procedimento (p < 0,001). A infecção pleural de todas as crianças foi debelada após o tratamento. As complicações da toracoscopia foram fuga aérea (30%) e sangramento pelo dreno torácico (12%), enfisema subcutâneo na inserção do trocarte (2%) e infecção da ferida operatória (2%). Nenhuma criança necessitou de reoperação devido às complicações. Conclusões: A efetividade da toracoscopia em criançascom DPPC na fase fibrinopurulenta foi de 88%. O procedimento mostrou-se seguro, com baixa taxa de complicaçõesgraves, devendo ser considerado como primeira opção em crianças com DPPC na fase fibrinopurulenta.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of thoracoscopy in the management of children with complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion at the fibrinopurulent stage. Methods: Retrospective study of 99 children submitted to thoracoscopy for the treatment of complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion at the fibrinopurulent stage between Novemberof 1995 and July of 2005. The mean age was 2.6 years (range, 0.4-12 years), and 60% were males. Thoracoscopywas performed at three different hospitals following the same treatment algorithm. Results: Thoracoscopy waseffective for 87 children (88%). In 12 (12%), a second surgical procedure was required: another thoracoscopy (n = 6) or thoracotomy/thoracostomy (n = 6). Mean duration of chest tube drainage following successful thoracoscopy was 3 days vs. 10 days in patients submitted to a second procedure (p < 0.001). In all of the children, the pleural infection resolved after treatment. Thoracoscopy-related complications included air leak (30%), chest tube bleeding (12%), subcutaneous emphysema associated with trocar insertion (2%) and surgical wound infection (2%). None of the children required additional surgical procedures due to the complications. Conclusions: The effectiveness of thoracoscopy in children with parapneumonic pleural effusion at the fibrinopurulent stage was 88%. Theprocedure was safe, with a low rate of severe complications. Thoracoscopy should be the first-choice treatment forchildren with parapneumonic pleural effusion at the fibrinopurulent stage.

Air filled, inflammatory, lung pseudo-cyst: etio-pathogenesis and management.

Lung cysts in children are usually of congenital origin. Necrotising pneumonias, trauma, cystic fibrosis and kerosene poisoning may be the cause of acquired cysts in the lungs during childhood. We describe a child who presented with pneumothorax and was later discovered to have a cyst in his right lung. The cyst was resected and on histology found to be of inflammatory origin with no epithelial cell lining i.e. a pseudo-cyst. The immuno-histochemical staining of the inflammatory cells from the pseudo-cyst wall showed them to be predominantly histiocytes i.e:, CD68 antigen positive. The cells showed negative staining for S-100 (marker for Langerhans cells), cytokeratins (epithelial markers) and smooth muscle actins excluding the possibility of histiocytosisX, epithelial and congenital cysts respectively. This case illustrates the occurrence of acquired pulmonary pseudocysts unrelated to known etiologic agents which should be considered in the work-up for pneumothoraces.

Expectativas y satisfacción en el tratamiento del neumotórax espontáneo primario recurrente tratado por toracotomía o cirugía torácica video-asistida / Expectations and patient satisfaction related to the use of thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for treating recurrence of spontaneous primary pneumothorax

OBJETIVO: Comparar los resultados de la toracotomía con la video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS, cirugía torácica video-asistida) en el tratamiento de las recurrencias del neumotórax espontáneo primario. MÉTODOS: Se revisaron los expedientes clínicos de los pacientes con neumotórax primario recurrente dividiéndose en dos grupos: pacientes sometidos a toracotomía (n = 53, grupo toracotomía) y pacientes sometidos a VATS (n = 47, grupo VATS). RESULTADOS: La morbilidad fue mayor en el grupo A. Sin mortalidad en ninguno de los dos grupos. La duración de la hospitalización fue similar. Los pacientes del grupo toracotomía necesitaron más dosis de narcóticos durante períodos más largos de tiempo que los del grupo VATS (p < 0.05). Se presentó una recurrencia en el grupo toracotomía (3 por ciento). El 68 por ciento de los pacientes del grupo VATS y el 21 por ciento del grupo toracotomía clasificaron su dolor como insignificante transcurrido un mes de la cirugía (p < 0.05). A los tres años, el 97 por ciento de los sometidos a VATS se consideraron totalmente recuperados comparado con el 79 por ciento del grupo de toracotomía (p < 0.05). El 90 por ciento del grupo toracotomía y el 3 por ciento del grupo VATS se quejaban de dolor necesitando analgésicos por más de una vez al mes, 13 por ciento de los sometidos a toracotomía requirieron la asistencia de la clínica del dolor. CONCLUSIONES: La VATS es la primera elección en el tratamiento de la recidiva del neumotórax espontáneo primario.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the treatment of recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. METHODS: Medical records of patients presenting recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent conservative thoracotomy (n = 53, thoracotomy group); and those who underwent VATS (n = 47, VATS group). RESULTS: Although there were no deaths in either group and the length of hospital stays was similar between the two, there was greater morbidity in the thoracotomy group. Patients in the thoracotomy group required more pain medication for longer periods than did those in the VATS group (p < 0.05). In the thoracotomy group, the rate of recurrence was 3 percent. Pain was classified as insignificant at one month after the operation by 68 percent of patients in the VATS group and by only 21 percent of those in the thoracotomy group (p < 0.05). At three years after the surgical procedure, 97 percent of the VATS group patients considered themselves completely recovered from the operation, compared with only 79 percent in the thoracotomy group (p < 0.05). Chronic or intermittent pain, requiring the use of analgesics more than once a month, was experienced by 90 percent of the thoracotomy group patients and 3 percent of the VATS group patients. In addition, 13 percent of the thoracotomy group patients required clinical pain management. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend VATS as the first-line surgical treatment for patients with recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax.