Single-Port Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Abstract

Dear Editor, We read the recent report on “Single-port video-assisted thoracic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax” with great interest [1]. Kang et al. [1] noted that “single-port video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for primary spontaneous pneumothorax had many advantages in terms of the lengths of chest tube drainage and hospital stay, postoperative pain, and paresthesia” [1]. The authors also pointed out that the selection of an appropriate case is the main determinant for success of the procedure. Nevertheless, we would like to draw the reader’s attention to the fact that, despite a good selection, ‘the procedure was accomplished successfully for 92.3% of the patients [2],’ implying a considerable failure rate. In addition, it should be noted that due to the nature of VATS, a slightly higher possibility of recurrence compared to that with standard chest tube thoracostomy can be expected [3]. In conclusion, clinicians should weigh these factors in choosing between single-port VATS and other methods of surgical treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax.