The clinical efficacy of blood patch pleurodesis in persistent air leak. Our experience.

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> One third of patients diagnosed with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) may need surgery. In patients with significant comorbidities who are non-fit to surgery, blood patch pleurodesis may resolve prolong air leak. The aim of our study was to evaluate efficacy of blood patch pleurodesis in this group of patients. <b>Methods:</b> From 2015 -2021, we contacted a retrospective study of 27 patients with SSP, who underwent blood patch pleurodesis for persistent air leak (&gt; 4 days). All patients underwent chest CT scan and received a 28F chest tube drainage. <b>Results:</b> The majority of patients were males, 38-84 years old [mean&nbsp;67 (SD+/− 29)]. Air leak was resolved in nine patients (33%) the 1st day post procedure. Procedure was repeated on 12 pts (44%) on the 2nd day. For the rest of the patients, blood patch was repeated on the 3rd day. The overall success rate was 90%. Three patient were discharged with Heimlich valve chest drain. Median length of hospital stay (LOS) was 8 days (SD+/−3). <b>Conclusion:</b> Our study indicates that blood patch pleurodesis in prolonged air leak is well tolerated safe procedure with high success rate and should be considered as an alternative treatment option in patients with severe comorbidities.