Abstract
We have performed first video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for 135 patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in our hospital since 2009. We compared 20 patients who underwent VATS due to persistent air leakage after chest tube drainage and 115 patients who underwent VATS for other reasons. On comparing the two groups regarding their backgrounds, the Leak group had a higher initial pneumothorax rate than the Non-Leak group (75.0 vs. 40.0%, respectively, P<0.01). As the operative results, the Leak group had a lower postoperative recurrence rate than the Non-Leak group (0.0 vs. 13.0%, respectively, P=0.02). On univariate analysis of the risk factors affecting the postoperative recurrence rate, the Non-Leak group and age <25 years old were significant factors. In conclusion, we suggest that the Leak group is associated with a lower recurrence rate of pneumothorax than the Non-Leak group.
