Torakochirurgia
Videothoracoscopic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax: our experience

Background: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) concerns mainly young people who are professionally active and is characterized by frequent recurrent pneumothorax. Its aetiopathogenesis has not been fully recognized. Conservative therapy, simple aspiration, drainage and surgical treatment are applied with different frequency even in medical centres with the same specialisation. Aim of study: The aim of the study is to assess the usefulness of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) as the fundamental method of treatment in patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Material and methods: 110 patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax underwent VATS between 1998 and 2005. The short- and long-term results were analyzed with particular attention paid to the extent of pleurectomy. Results: In the studied group no mortality case was noted. Early complications appeared in 20 (18.2%) and recurrent pneumothorax in 7 (6.4%) patients treated. No statistically significant differences were noted as regards the extent of pleurectomy. However, only in the group undergoing almost total pleurectomy was no recurrent pneumothorax observed in any of the patients. Conclusions: Videothoracoscopy especially together with pleurectomy can be a recommended method of treatment in patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax.