Normativa sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento del neumotórax espontáneo / Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax

Se presenta la cuarta puesta al día de la 'Normativa sobre diagnóstico y tratamiento del neumotórax', de la Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR). La presencia de aire dentro de la cavidad pleural de causa no traumática o iatrógena es un problema clínico relevante. Se propone un método de cuantificación del neumotórax mediante su clasificación en parcial, completo o total, que junto a la valoración clínica parece suficiente para adoptar las diversas actitudes terapéuticas. En la presente actualización se incorpora la aspiración simple ambulatoria, como método equiparable en resultados al drenaje convencional, para el tratamiento del neumotórax espontáneo primario no complicado, cuyo uso no está todavía muy extendido en España. Para el tratamiento definitivo del neumotórax espontáneo primario, la cirugía videotoracoscópica con bullectomía y abrasión pleural es la técnica más ampliamente utilizada por la mayoría de cirujanos torácicos. En el tratamiento del neumotórax espontáneo secundario se recomienda el ingreso y la colocación de drenaje torácico convencional. Se ha introducido también una referencia al neumotórax catamenial, probablemente infradiagnosticado. En caso de recidiva o fuga aérea persistente, el tratamiento definitivo suele ser el quirúrgico o el uso de talco a través del drenaje en caso de contraindicación. Los algoritmos de estrategia terapéutica aquí propuestos pretenden convertirse en una herramienta de trabajo útil para todos los implicados en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta enfermedad (AU)

This is the fourth update of the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pneumothorax published by the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR). Spontaneous pneumothorax, or the presence of air in the pleural space not caused by injury or medical intervention, is a significant clinical problem. We propose a method for classifying cases into 3 categories: partial, complete, and complete with total lung collapse. This classification, together with a clinical assessment, would provide sufficient information to enable physicians to decide on an approach to treatment. This update introduces simple aspiration in an outpatient setting as a treatment option that has yielded results comparable to conventional drainage in the management of uncomplicated primary spontaneous pneumothorax; this technique is not, as yet, widely used in Spain. For the definitive treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax, the technique most often used by thoracic surgeons is video-assisted thoracoscopic bullectomy and pleural abrasion. Hospitalization and conventional tube drainage is recommended for the treatment of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. This update also has a new section on catamenial pneumothorax, a condition that is probably underdiagnosed. The definitive treatment for a recurring or persistent air leak is usually surgery or the application of talc through the drainage tube when surgery is contraindicated. Our aim in proposing algorithms for the management of pneumothorax in these guidelines was to provide a useful tool for clinicians involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease (AU)

[Forensic aspects of a trainee in robotic surgery of the heart]. / Forensische Aspekte eines Anfängers in der Roboterchirurgie am Herzen.

The grounds for liability with robotic surgery include damage to patients, causality, illegality and guilt. The patient must receive very comprehensive information on the treatment under consideration, his/her risk and what will be done in the case of technical failure. The surgeon operating the robotic device is obliged to provide normal conscientious care and state-of-the-art treatment. In addition, there is possible neglect of supervisory duties vis-à-vis other hospital personnel to be considered. A special problem is posed by a forensic physician who lacks experience in robotic surgery. There should be a surgeon at the operating table who is at least equally skilled as the surgeon operating the monitor. Robotic surgery must ultimately be at least as effective as conventional surgery, if not better. It must, however, be borne in mind that in cases involving this new technology, it is that patient who is the pioneer.