Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for postoperative recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax.
OBJECTIVE
Postoperative recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a troublesome complication and an important issue to be discussed. This study is to determine whether Re-video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) should be performed for postoperative recurrent PSP (PORP).


METHODS
Patients who had underwent needlescopic VATS for PSP between Jan. 2007 and Dec. 2011 were reviewed.


RESULTS
VATS was initially performed on 239 patients with PSP in total. Eleven patients were found to have PORP during a follow-up period of 36.95 months. Nine patients received Re-VATS and only two patients receiving conservative treatment had no further recurrence. No conversion to thoracotomy, blood transfusion and prolong air leak were recorded.


CONCLUSIONS
Even for smaller size cases, Re-VATS, which is technically feasible, safe and effective with better cosmetics and minor postoperative pain, should be a strong contender as priority treatment.
Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan ; ; Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Shah-Hwa
SH
Chou
Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan ;
Hsien-Pin
HP
Li
Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan ;
Yen-Lung
YL
Lee
Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan ;
Jui-Ying
JY
Lee
Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan ;
Hung-Hsing
HH
Chiang
Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan ;
Dong-Lin
DL
Tsai
Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan ;
Meei-Feng
MF
Huang
Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan ;
Tsun-En
TE
Lin
Postoperative recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax; video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery