title: Outcomes of an algorithmic approach to management of pneumothorax complicating thermal ablation of pulmonary neoplasms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the outcomes of an algorithm for treatment of pneumothorax in association with radiofrequency (RF) and microwave (MW) ablation of pulmonary neoplasms.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective study included data from 248 ablation sessions for lung tumors in 164 patients (92 men; mean age, 59.7 y ± 9.8): 200 RF ablations (80.6%) and 48 MW ablations (19.4%). Pneumothorax was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Twelve patients developed mild pneumothorax and were observed for further complications, and 33 developed moderate or severe pneumothorax and were managed with percutaneous aspiration of the pneumothorax. The decision to abort or continue ablation was determined based on clinical response to percutaneous aspiration, clinical distress, and feasibility of applying the applicator within the lesion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Incidence of pneumothorax was 18.1% (45 of 248 sessions), with four (8.9%) occurrences during MW ablation and 41 (91.1%) during RF ablation. Pneumothoraces were mild in 12 sessions (26.7%), moderate in 27 (60%), and severe in six (13.3%). Complete evacuation of the pneumothorax was achieved in 25 of 33 sessions (75.8%). Intercostal tube drainage was indicated in eight sessions (24.2%), including six severe and two moderate pneumothoraces. Pneumothorax evolved immediately after thoracic puncture in 10 patients. Ablation therapy was aborted in two sessions in which severe pneumothorax occurred, and an intercostal chest tube was inserted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mild pneumothorax can be managed by close observation without interruption of ablation therapy. Manual evacuation was an effective strategy for management of moderate pneumothorax and allowed for adequate positioning of the electrode, but did not suffice for severe and progressive pneumothorax, which required placement of an intercostal chest tube.
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Institute, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt, Hessen 60590, Germany. nour410@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Nour-Eldin
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Nour-Eldin
authors.forename: Nagy N N
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Naguib
authors.forename: Ahmed M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Tawfik
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Koitka
authors.forename: Ahmed S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Saeed
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Vogl
mesh_terms: D055011:Ablation Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015505:Chest Tubes; D019091:Critical Pathways; D004322:Drainage / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013396:Suction; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome