Upper parietal pleurectomy with resection of bullae by thoracoscopy in spontaneous pneumothorax. New perspectives from preliminary results in 20 cases]

In view of the increasing development of laparoscopic surgery and hoping to minimize thoracotomy's risks, we had the idea to perform pleurectomy as a treatment of Spontaneous Pneumothorax (S.P.) through video thoracoscopy. The operation was performed under general endobronchial anesthesia, the patient placed in the posterolateral thoracotomy position. Three trocars inserted through the 5th, 7th and 9th intercostal space, allowed the introduction of non specific thoracoscopic instruments similar to those used in laparoscopic surgery. The apical pleurectomy was delimited by the 6th rib, the internal thoracic vessels, the costovertebral sulcus and the first rib. Blebs and small bullae are now transected with application of the "EndoGIA 30". Pleural cavity was drained by F28 ans F32 tubes through the lower orifices. This procedure was performed in 18 patients presenting 20.S.P.. Operative indications were: persistent air link (7 cases), recurrence (9 cases), bullae with bridle and or anterior thoracotomy for S.P. (4 cases). One bleeding of 200 ml from a wounded intercostal vessel ligated with a clip was the sole operative hitch. Operative duration decreased from two to one hour. Average drainage duration was 3.5 dys and hospital stay 4.5 days. There was no death nor immediate complications. Post-operative pain was judged in all cases less intensive than that experienced after pleurectomy with thoracotomy. This original procedure is the first described as entirely performed through thoracoscopy with non specific instruments and hence economic impact.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)