Evaluation of thoracoscopic operation for spontaneous pneumothorax

Abstract

To assess the effect of thoracoscopic operation for spontaneous pneumothorax, we treated 29 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax by clipping, looping or bullectomy via thoracoscopy. We performed clipping with endo-clips in 6 patients, looping with endo-loops in 1 patient and bullectomy or partial lobectomy with endo-GIA in 16 patients. In 6 patients whose bulla or region of air leak could not be detected along with thoracoscopic operation, we added 3 cm mini-thoracotomy.
Clipping with endo-clips was effective for bullae with narrow necks. Bullectomy or partial lobectomy with endo-GIA was most effective and reliable for bullae with broad necks.
One advantage of this operation is the reduction of post thoracotomy pain. When performed along with mini-thoracotomy, thoracoscopic operation is useful in treating patients with any type of bullae.