Science & Research (Feb 2019)
THE UTILITY OF VIDEO-ASSISTED THORACOSCOPIC SURGERY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FIRST UNCOMPLICATED EPISODE OF PRIMARY SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX
Abstract
Introduction. The option of surgery at the time of the first uncomplicated episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax is now a matter of debate. The aim of this study is to present the utility of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the management of the first uncomplicated episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Marterials and Methods. Twenty-five patients [male – 21 (84 % / p <0,05); mean age – 24,3 (SD – 6,1) years; age range: 17 ÷ 35 years] with the first uncomplicated episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax were included in this study (from March 2017 to April 2018). The size of pneumothorax was determined by radiological evaluation (thoracic X-ray). Video-assisted thoracoscopic examination of the entire pleural cavity was performed. Resection of blebs (in cases of such operative finding) and partial apical parietal pleurectomy were done. Results. Right-sided pneumothorax was established in 16 (84%) patients. For 10 (40 %) of the patients pneumothorax was determined as a minimal and for the rest of them - as a large. Subpleural blebs were established in 8 of patients. No pathological changes on the lung surface were established for the rest of the cases. The mean hospital stay was 5.5 days with no postoperative complications. Conclusion. The easy access to VATS with no postoperative complications, confirmed in this study, demonstrated the utility of mini-invasive surgery, even in the first episode of uncomplicated primary spontaneous pneumothorax.
