An unusual bulla in azygoesophageal recess in a patient with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax

We report a case of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax in which the causative bulla was successfully managed by thoracoscopic surgery. A 64-year-old male was admitted presenting with a right pneumothorax. Chest computed tomography revealed a bulla located in the azygoesophageal recess. Thoracoscopic surgery confirmed an unusual bulla extending along the thoracic spine with a fistula at the tip. We describe the intriguing features of this unique bulla and speculate on its aetiology for the first time.     

Additional mechanical pleurodesis after thoracoscopic wedge resection and covering procedure for primary spontaneous pneumothorax

Background  Additional mechanical pleurodesis for the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is believed to reduce the recurrence of PSP, and a covering procedure with absorbable mesh also shows comparable results. This study was conducted to determine whether additional mechanical pleurodesis would be effective in reducing recurrence after thoracoscopic wedge resection and covering procedure. Materials and methods  Between May 2003 and August 2005, 99 patients underwent thoracoscopic bullectomy with staple line covering with absorbable cellulose mesh and fibrin glue followed by an additional mechanical pleurodesis. These patients were compared with 98 patients who underwent thoracoscopic bullectomy with staple line coverage alone. Results  The additional mechanical pleurodesis group had findings comparable to those of the coverage group for duration of postoperative chest drainage, length of hospital stay, and complication rate. After median follow-up of 29.2 months, postoperative recurrence occurred in four patients (4.0%). Conclusions  Additional mechanical pleurodesis after covering procedure is also effective in decreasing postoperative recurrence of PSP.     

首次发作原发自发性气胸的治疗方案探讨

目的：探讨首次发作的原发自发性气胸最佳治疗方案。方法分析我院2008年1月－2011年1月期间首次发作的原发自发性气胸患者76例,其中保守治疗组共42例,VATS 手术组共34例。比较二组患者临床特征及治疗的指标。结果二组患者中性别、年龄、气胸部位及吸烟均无统计学差异,保守治疗无效而行 VATS 手术者14例（33．3％）,其中肺部持续漏气9例（21．4％）,肺膨胀不全5例（11．9％）。VATS 组气胸的范围（56．91±15．52）％,与保守治疗组（48．57±19．36）％比较差异有统计学意义（P ＝0．045）。VATS 组无中转开胸,二组中均未出现肺炎、脓胸、血胸等并发症。行 VATS 手术患者,术中发现明确肺大疱共30例（88．2％）,VATS 组与保守治疗组在止痛药的应用时间[（3．35±0．65）d vs （1．04±0．89）d,P ＜0．05]及拔除胸引管的时间[（4．82±0．58）d vs （4．09±0．76）d,P ＜0．05]方面比较差异有统计学意义。经过平均28．4个月的随访, VATS 组与保守治疗组气胸的复发[1例（2．9％）vs 16例（38．1％）,P ＜0．05]。平均住院日期 VATS组与保守治疗组[（7．74±0．86）d vs （5．29±1．04）d,P ＜0．05]。结论与保守治疗相比,VATS 能明显降低首次发作的自发性气胸复发率,在特定的患者中,该术式值得推荐。     

Detection of secondary causes of spontaneous pneumothorax: Comparison between computed tomography and chest X-ray

PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of chest X-ray to that of thoracic computed tomography (CT) for the detection of the causes of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SP).MethodsA prospective cohort of patients with SP was studied. All chest X-ray and CT examinations of the patients were reviewed retrospectively by an expert radiologist blinded to clinical data. The concordance between the CT examination and chest X-ray was assessed using the Cohen Kappa coefficient (κ), based on a bootstrap resampling method.ResultsA total of 105 patients with SP were included. There were 78 men and 27 women, with a mean age of 34.5 years ± 14.2 (SD) (range: 16–87 years). Of these, 44/105 (41%) patients had primary SP and 61/105 (59%) had secondary SP due to emphysema (47/61; 77%), tuberculosis (3/61, 5%), lymphangioleiomyomatosis (3/61; 5%), lung cancer (2/61, 3%) or other causes (6/61; 10%). Apart from pneumothorax, CT showed abnormal findings in 85/105 (81%) patients and chest X-ray in 29/105 (28%). Clinically relevant abnormalities were detected on 62/105 (59%) CT examinations. The concordance between chest X-ray and CT was fair for detecting emphysema (κ = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.2420–0.55), moderate for a mass or nodule (κ = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.28–0.90), fair for alveolar opacities (κ = 0.39; 95% CI: −0.02–1.00), and slight for interstitial syndrome (κ = 0.20; 95% CI: −0.02–0.85).ConclusionChest X-ray is not sufficient for detecting the cause of secondary SP. As the detection of the cause of secondary SP may alter the therapeutic approach and long-term follow-up in patients with SP, the usefulness of a systematic CT examination should be assessed in a prospective trial.     

Effect of cannabis and tobacco on emphysema in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax

Purpose

To compare imaging findings on thoracic computed tomography (CT) examination in patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (SP), depending on their tobacco and/or cannabis consumption.

Thoracoscopic treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax at a general hospital

Summary. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is now recommended for the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. We studied the validity of this method at our general surgical department in a prospective group with regard to effectiveness and complication rate. The combination of thoracoscopic bulla resection with tetracycline pleurodesis resulted in a 100 % recurrence-free rate of 28 pneumothoraces at a median follow-up of 19 months. We observed no intraoperative complications. We conclude that video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is an effective treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax and can safely be carried out even in a general surgical unit. The legal aspects are discussed in detail.      

Simultaneous occurrence of ipsilateral primary spontaneous hemopneumothorax and contralateral pneumothorax in an adolescent

Primary spontaneous hemopneumothorax is a rare disorder but can be life-threatening secondary to massive bleeding. The authors encountered an uncommon case of left primary spontaneous hemopneumothorax and simultaneous right pneumothorax. After initial bilateral tube thoracostomies, successful 1-stage bilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) was performed before the condition deteriorated or complications occurred. Active oozing from a ruptured vascularized bulla was identified at the apex of the left upper lobe. One-stage bilateral VATS appears to be a reasonable method of surgical intervention, but in patients under life-threatening clinical conditions, it may still be difficult to use this strategy, and a staged operation may be considered.     

Modified needlescopic video-assisted thoracic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of modified needlescopic video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for treating primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The efficacy between apical pleurectomy and pleural abrasion through this technique was also compared. Methods Between 2001 and 2003, 65 patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax underwent modified needlescopic VATS procedures. The blebs were resected with endoscopic linear staplers. Pleurodesis was achieved by apical pleurectomy before September 2002 (n = 30) and by pleural abrasion for the remainder of the study period (n = 35). Results Mean operation time was 103 min in the pleurectomy group and 78 min in the abrasion group (p = 0.001). Complications developed in four patients (6.2%): prolonged air leaks in three patients and wound infection in one patient. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.8 ± 1.8 days. The two groups had comparable doses of requested analgesics, complication rates, postoperative chest tube and hospital stays, and postoperative pulmonary function test. Ipsilateral recurrence did not occur in any of the pleurectomy group patients after a mean follow-up of 31 months, but it occurred in three patients (8.6%) in the abrasion group after a mean follow-up of 19 months. Conclusions Modified needlescopic VATS provides a feasible and safe procedure for treating primary spontaneous pneumothorax. In terms of efficacy, apical pleurectomy is more effective in preventing ipsilateral recurrence than pleural abrasion.     

微创快速康复外科技术在治疗原发性自发性气胸中的应用进展

原发性自发性气胸(PSP)是一种比较常见的胸部疾病,绝大部分患者合并肺大疱形成,病情严重,其治疗方法多样,包括保守治疗或开胸手术、电视胸腔镜手术(VATS)等治疗,各有优缺点。采用不同的流程方法治疗,治疗的效果亦不相同。文章就近年来国内外在PSP的诊断、快速康复外科(FTS)治疗、临床应用方面做一简要综述。     

Staple line coverage with absorbable mesh after thoracoscopic bullectomy for spontaneous pneumothorax

Background Thoracoscopic simple bullectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) has a relatively high postoperative recurrence rate and sometimes results in postoperative air leakage. One of the reasons for postoperative recurrence is the regrowth of bullae around the staple line. Therefore, reinforcement of the visceral pleura around the staple line is a reasonable way to prevent postoperative air leaks and recurrence. This study was done to determine the efficacy in preventing postoperative air leak and recurrent pneumothorax of widely covering the staple line with absorbable mesh after thoracoscopic bullectomy.Methods Wide coverage of the staple line with absorbable mesh was performed on 114 patients with PSP. These patients were retrospectively compared with 126 patients who underwent thoracoscopic simple bullectomy alone.Results The postoperative duration of chest drainage in the coverage group (mean, 1 day; range, 0–5) was significantly shorter than that in the simple bullectomy group (mean, 3 days; range 0–20). A prolonged air leak (>7 days) occurred in six patients in the simple bullectomy group, but there were no such leaks in the coverage group. Recurrent pneumothorax occurred in three patients (2.6%) in the coverage group and 12 patients (9.5%) in the simple bullectomy group.Conclusion Wide coverage of the staple line with absorbable mesh is effective in preventing postoperative air leak and in decreasing the recurrence rates of PSP.     

不同术式治疗自发性气胸的对比研究

目的　比较前 /后外侧切口开胸、腋下小切口开胸和电视胸腔镜手术治疗自发性气胸的临床效果。方法　 89例自发性气胸患者接受外科治疗 ,其中 3 4例施行常规前 /后外侧切口开胸 ,3 1例行腋下小切口开胸 ,2 4例行电视胸腔镜手术治疗。对比各组切口长度、术中出血量及术后胸液量、哌替啶用量、拔管时间、住院天数等指标。结果　腋下小切口开胸组和电视胸腔镜组在上述指标等方面均明显优于常规开胸手术组 (P <0 .0 1) ,而腋下小切口开胸组和电视胸腔镜组之间无显著差别 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论　手术治疗自发性气胸疗效肯定 ,腋下小切口开胸术更经济、简单 ,符合现阶段多数病人的实际经济承受能力以及医疗安全和质量的需要 ,值得推广应用     

Video-assisted thoracic surgery as a primary therapy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax

Background: Because blebs are confirmed in most of the patients undergoing thoracotomy, identification of blebs by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) can be proposed as a surgical indication in primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). If an apical bleb is identified, we treat the patient by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Methods: From May 1995 to September 1997, 61 patients (21.9 ± 4.6 years) were seen for initial episodes of PSP. Only seven showed bullae on simple chest radiography. However, by HRCT, 48 had sizable blebs (>5 mm), and 45 were treated surgically by VATS. Results: The mean duration of chest tube use after surgery was 3.2 ± 1.9 days, and the mean hospital stay was 4.5 ± 1.9 days. Only one recurrence developed 5 weeks after VATS. Conclusions: Our protocol is effective in controlling an initial episode of PSP. It shortens the observation time before definitive surgical treatment, shortens the hospital stay, and decreases the likelihood of recurrence. Received: 25 June 1997/Accepted 18 February 1998     

Results of thoracoscopic pleural abrasion for primary spontaneous pneumothorax

Background: Several video-assisted techniques have been used to treat primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of thoracoscopic pleural abrasion for PSP. Methods: From 1991 to 2003, 185 consecutive patients, 143 male and 42 female, aged 15 to 60 years (average 31.6) underwent thoracoscopic pleural abrasion for PSP. The indications for surgery were as follows: a first episode with persistent air leak in 33 patients (17.9%), a recurrent ipsilateral pneumothorax in 122 patients (65.9%), a previous contralateral pneumothorax in 23 patients (12.4%), and recurrence after surgical treatment in seven patients (3.8%). Bullae were resected in 163 patients (88.1%). Mechanical pleural abrasion was performed in all cases. Results: There were no deaths. Intraoperative hemorrhage occurred in three patients. It was controlled via thoracotomy in one patient and via thoracoscopy in two patients. The postoperative complication rate was 8.1% (15/185). Complications included prolonged air leak in eight patients (4.3%), pleural effusion in two (1.1%), extrapleural hematoma in one (0.5%), chest wall infection in one (0.5%), atelectasis in one (0.5%), and hemorrhage in two (1.1%). Postoperative hospital stay ranged between 2 and 17 days (mean, 5). Mean duration of drainage was 3.8 days (range; 1–16). Postoperatively, 111 patients were contacted, with a mean follow-up of 36.5 months. Four of them had a recurrence (3.6%) that did not require reoperation. Conclusion: Thoracoscopic pleural abrasion associated with bullae resection is a safe and efficient treatment for PSP. Results remain stable in the long term.     

Recurrence rate after thoracoscopic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax

Objectives: There is an on-going discussion regarding the recurrence rate after surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax by video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) or by thoracotomy access. This study aimed to describe the recurrence rate, and to identify a possible learning curve, following surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax by VATS. Design: All patients who underwent surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax by VATS at Karolinska University Hospital 2004–2013 were reviewed. Preoperative and operative characteristics were obtained from medical records. Patients were followed-up through telephone interviews or questionnaires and by review of medical records. The primary outcome of interest was time to recurrence of pneumothorax requiring intervention. Outcomes were compared between patients operated during 2004-June 2010 and July 2010–2013. Results: 219 patients who underwent 234 consecutive procedures were included. The mean follow-up times were 6.3 and 2.9 years in the early and late period, respectively. The postoperative recurrence rate in the early period was 16% (11%–25%), 18% (12%–27%), and 18% (12%–27%), at 1, 3 and 5 years, compared to 1.7% (0.4%–6.8%), 7.6% (3.7%–15%), and 9.8% (4.8%–19%) at 1, 3 and 5 years, in the late period (p?=?0.016). Conclusions: We found that the recurrence rate after thoracoscopic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax decreased significantly during the study period. Our results strongly suggest that thoracoscopic surgery for pneumothorax involve a substantial learning curve.     

胸腔镜辅助腋下小切口手术治疗自发性气胸体会

目的探讨电视胸腔镜(VATS)辅助腋下小切口手术治疗自发性气胸、肺大疱的方法和临床效果。方法2001年至2007年我科在电视胸腔镜配合下经腋下小切口手术治疗自发性气胸96例,回顾性分析本组病例的临床资料,总结手术的适应证、操作要点和疗效,并评价该术式的可行性。结果96例无一例死亡,全部治愈出院,随访5个月~6年,术侧无气胸复发。结论电视胸腔镜辅助腋下小切口术式创伤小,特殊设备要求低,技术容易掌握,治疗自发性气胸、肺大疱的效果好,是适于推广的胸外科微创手术方法。     

The utility of computed tomography in the management of patients with spontaneous pneumothorax

Background

Spontaneous pneumothorax may result from rupture of subpleural blebs. Computed tomography (CT) has been used to identify blebs to serve as an indication for thoracoscopy. We reviewed our experience with spontaneous pneumothorax to assess the utility of CT in these patients.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent an operation for spontaneous pneumothorax from January 1999 to October 2009. All procedures were performed thoracoscopically.

Results

We identified 39 pneumothoraces in 34 patients who underwent evaluation and a procedure for spontaneous pneumothorax. Mean age was 16.1 years (range, 10-23 years), with an average of 1.7 spontaneous pneumothoraces before operation (range, 1-4).Preoperative chest CT scans were obtained in 26 cases. Blebs were demonstrated on 8 CT scans. The presence of blebs was confirmed at operation in all 8 patients. Of the 18 negative scans, 14 (77.8%) were found to have blebs intraoperatively, 7 of these patients were initially managed nonoperatively and developed recurrence. The sensitivity of CT for identifying blebs was 36%.

Conclusions

Chest CT does not appear to be precise in the identification of pleural blebs and a negative examination does not predict freedom from recurrence. Operative decisions should be based on clinical judgment without the use of preoperative CT.     

Spontaneous pneumothorax and a coexistent azygos lobe

We present a primary spontaneous pneumothorax involving a possible diagnostic and surgical pitfall. A 25-year-old man with a previously identified azygos lobe was admitted to our hospital because of right primary spontaneous pneumothorax. A preoperative chest X-ray at the onset of the pneumothorax as well as after resolution by tube drainage showed an azygos fissure but no azygos vein. Chest computed tomography revealed the dislocated azygos vein external to the azygos fissure on the mediastinal side of the reexpanded upper lobe. Thoracoscopic bullectomies were uneventfully performed. The azygos arch was found dangling in the free inferior border of the mesoazygos. An azygos vein located in this position can be a potential surgical hazard especially in video-assisted thoracic surgery. This case suggests that the presence of an azygos lobe can be missed on chest X-ray when a pneumothorax occurs in a patient with an azygos lobe.     

中青年单侧原发性自发性气胸同期行双侧手术

目的探讨中青年单侧原发性自发性气胸同期行双侧手术治疗的可行性、安全性及有效性。方法 2003年3月～2008年12月,413例中青年单侧原发性自发性气胸经腋下小切口(limited axillary thoracotomy,LAT)或电视胸腔镜手术(video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery,VATS)同期行双侧肺大疱切除及胸膜固定术。结果术中见所有患者双侧均存在肺大疱,且大部分对称存在。手术时间(106.3±48.4)min,术中出血量(30.7±19.5)ml。术后保留胸腔引流管时间(3.5±1.2)d,住院时间(4.7±3.3)d。287例(69.5%)随访(21.5±9.3)月,无气胸复发。结论中青年单侧原发性自发性气胸患者往往双侧肺叶都有相对称的肺大疱病变存在,主要位于上叶尖段,同期行双侧肺大疱切除术可根治双侧肺大疱病变,并能有效预防气胸复发和对侧发生气胸,疗效确切,安全性高。     

Staple Line Reinforcement with Fleece-Coated Fibrin Glue (TachoComb) After Thoracoscopic Bullectomy for the Treatment of Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Background We investigated the cause of pneumothorax recurrence after thoracoscopic surgery and the effectiveness of staple line reinforcement with fleece-coated fibrin glue (TachoComb) in the prevention of postoperative pneumothorax recurrence. Methods From April 3, 1992 to the end of December 2005, thoracoscopic bullectomy was performed on 499 patients of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The causes of recurrence were investigated on 39 patients on the basis of surgical observations, preoperative chest computed tomography, and so on. The most common cause was new bulla formation (37 cases), 19 of which were apparently related to the staple line (within 1 cm of the staple lines) and 15 of which were not related to the staple line. After 2000, we stopped using forceps to grasp lungs and we have reinforced the staple line by applying fleece-coated fibrin glue. Results The staple line reinforced with fleece-coated fibrin glue, or sprayed with fibrin glue solution and the untreated group (bullectomy only with staples) were compared, and the recurrence rates were 1.22%, 7.25%, and 10.00%, respectively (P = 0.0006021). Conclusions The recurrence rate after thoracoscopic bullectomy with fleece-coated fibrin glue was significantly lowered and we consider this procedure to be the treatment of choice for the management of spontaneous pneumothorax.