Comparison of clinical effectiveness of video-assisted single port thoracoscope vs. traditional thoracotomy for traumatic pneumothorax

Abstract

Objective To compare the clinical effectiveness of video- assisted single port thoracoscope (VATS)and traditional thoracotomy in the treatment of traumatic pneumothorax. Methods Forty-one cases of hemopneumothorax were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The patients in control group(n= 26)were treated with traditional urgical approach, and those in experimental group(n= 15)were treated with VATS. The general clinical data, blood loss, operation time, the indwelling time of catheter drainage after the operation,postoperative drainage volume, postoperative complications, and length of hospital were compared between the two groups. Results None of the 41 patiens in the two groups had operative mortality, second thoracotomy for hemostasis or ventilator- assisted breathing. Blood loss in experimental group[average(176.5±78.5) ml] was significantly less than in control group[(401.3±90.7) ml]. There were significant difference in the operation time[experimental group:(64.7±21.3)min,and control group: (129.4±30.3)min], the indwelling time of catheter drainage after the operation[experimental group:(2.3 ±0.9)d,and control group:(4.5±1.0)d], hospital stay[experimental group:(9.1±2.1)d,and control group:(12.7±2.2) d], and incidence of the postoperative complications between two groups(P< 0.05). Conclusion With approprite indications, VATS can make a faster, more accurate and more reliable diagnosis than traditional thoracotomy for traumatic pneumothorax. Key words: Video-assisted single port thoracoscope; Traumatic pneumothorax; Minimally invasive