We performed microwave coagulation to repair the cut pleural surface for a resected lung experimentally, as an alternative method for spontaneous pneumothorax. We found that the pleura was accumulated by microwave coagulation, but not burned. A water sealing test was used to confirm the repair of the ruptured site of the pleura.
Materials and methods : Seven cases of pneumothorax had been admitted for dyspnea. Thoracoscopic microwave coagulation therapy was performed by inserting a throcar of 2 mm in diameter. Using microwave tissue coagulation at the power of 35 W for 30 second, one or more pulmonary bullae of the apex was coagulated thoracoscopically.
Results : We evaluated the serum C-reactive protein between the patients who received microwave coagulation and those treated with the popular automatic stapling device method. The microwave coagulation therapy group showed less C-reactive protein than automatic stapling device group.
Conclusion : Microwave coagulation therapy could be an alternative method to automatic stapling devices for small sized bullae of pneumothorax.
