Video-assisted thoracoscopic introduction of talc in the treatment of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax.
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.
Zijl
J A
JA
Department of Surgery, Twenteborg Hospital, Almelo, The Netherlands.
Sinninghe Damste
H E
HE
Smits
P J
PJ
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
D013627:Talc