Effective Management of Persistent Pneumothorax Using a Thopaz^® Digital Drainage System Combined with an Endobronchial Watanabe Spigot

Abstract

A 72-year-old man with salivary gland cancer and multiple pulmonary metastases suffering from intractable pneumothorax was transferred to our institution; he was inoperable because of a low pulmonary function. A chest tube had been placed more than a month prior to this admission. A digital drainage system was used for 24-h monitoring of air leaks (Thopaz^®). Using the Thopaz^® system, we performed endoscopic bronchial occlusion using an endobronchial Watanabe spigot (EWS) to reduce air leaks. Finally, the air leaks ceased, and the chest tube was removed five days after EWS placement. We herein report a case of persistent pneumothorax that was successfully treated by endoscopic bronchial EWS placement with the aid of a Thopaz^® system.