Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Spontaneous Pneumothorax:Report of 61 Cases / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery(VATS)for spontaneous pneumothorax.Methods From January 2003 to June 2006,VATS was carried out in 61 cases of spontaneous pneumothorax in our hospital.Resection or ligatation of pulmonary bullae,and pleurodesis were performed by using Endo-GIA.Results Among the cases,unilateral VATS was performed on 58 patients(an axillary small incision was made in one case),and bilateral VATS was done in 3.No conversion to open surgery or severe postoperative complications occurred in this series.Pulmonary bullae was detected in 56 of all the patients.The operation time was 35-55 min(mean,46 min)for unilateral VATS,and was 85,175,and 190 min respectively for the 3 cases of bilateral VATS.The mean blood loss for unilateral operation was 40 ml(range,30-45 ml),and the blood loss in the 3 cases of bilateral VATS was 55,60,and 200 ml.The thoracic-drainage volume was 230-500 ml(mean,390 ml)in the unilateral cases,and was 350,1030,and 1200 respectively in the 3 bilateral cases.The drainage tube was withdrawn 3-6 d(mean 4 d)later in the unilateral cases,and 3,4,and 5 d later in the 3 bilateral cases.The 61 patients were followed up for 4-24 mon(mean,8 mon),during which one patient experienced recurrent pneumothorax in 2 months and was cured by closed thoracic drainage.Conclusions VATS is safe and effective for patients with spontaneous pneumothorax.