Modern features of VATS treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax as a complication of bullous lung emphysema: a systematic literature review

Abstract

The article presents a literature review on the VATS treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax as a complication of bullous lung emphysema. The review considers questions of etiology, diagnostics and therapeutic tactics in VATS treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax with bullous emphysema. The main target of surgeons is not only elimination of spontaneous pneumothorax, but quick exposure of lung parenchyma pathology in order to predict possible reoccurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax. Video-assisted thoracoscopy in this case is a mini-invasive, less traumatic and highly efficient method of treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax. Anti-relapsing surgical interventions with pleurodesis are unanimously considered to be necessary. An integrated and differentiated approach to the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax as a result of bullous emphysema helps to determine diagnostic and therapeutic tactics of VATS treatment and choice of pleurodesis induction leading to improved treatment outcomes in this category of patients.

Keywords

• spontaneous pneumothorax
• bullous emphysema
• video-assisted thoracic surgery
• pleurodesis