title: Video-assisted thoracoscopic introduction of talc in the treatment of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present our experience of using a video-assisted thoracic surgical (VATS) technique to treat spontaneous pneumothorax.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Teaching hospital, The Netherlands.
  
  
  METHODS
  34 patients with recurrent spontaneous pneumothoraces.
  
  
  METHODS
  Combined bullectomy, parietal pleural abrasion, and spraying with talc using the Tissuecol (Immuno) spray device using a VATS technique. Measurement of pain by visual analogue scale (VAS) and analgesic requirements.
  
  
  METHODS
  Duration of drainage and hospital stay, pain, and morbidity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients were followed up after 4 weeks and 1 year. Median drainage time postoperatively was 2 days (range 1-3) and duration of hospital stay 3 days (range 2-5). One pneumothorax recurred and one wound became infected. Patients scored a median of 4 (range 1-9) on the VAS for pain at 4 weeks, and 2 (range 0-6) at 1 year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Bullectomy combined with pleural abrasion and the introduction of talc using a VATS technique is safe and effective, and requires only a short hospital stay.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Twenteborg Hospital, Almelo, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Zijl
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Sinninghe Damste
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Smits
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013627:Talc / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted
chemical_list: D013627:Talc