Treatment Of Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax Research Articles

Morbidity, mortality, and surgical treatment of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Pneumothorax in patients with underlying lung pathology is called secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP). It is an important health problem worldwide, with significant morbidity, high health-care expenses, and possibility of mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics, risk factors for mortality and morbidity, and treatment options of SSP. Outcomes of 133 patients with SSP were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with SP with evidence of underlying lung disease or a smoking history over 50 years of age were considered SSP. The patients were analyzed in terms of epidemiological fea-tures, underlying diseases, treatment methods, complications, and mortality. The treatment options included thoracotomy (T), video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), tube thoracostomy, and conservative treatment. The mean age was 50.50±20.374 years, and the age range was 16-95. Ninety-three (69.9%) of the patients were smokers. The most common clinical finding was dyspnea in 77 (57.9%) patients. The most common underlying disease was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 62 patients (46.6%). Six (4.5%) patients received conservative treatment, a chest tube was placed in 89 (66.9%) patients, and 38 (28.6%) patients were treated with surgery. As an operative procedure, lung wedge resection was performed in 24 (18.0%) patients and bulla resection was performed in 6 (4.5%) patients. Parietal pleurectomy was performed in 27 (20.3%) patients. Axillary mini-T or T was performed more frequently in large pneumothorax, smokers, and in obstructive pulmonary disease. Tube thoracostomy was used more frequently in poor physical performance, comorbidities, and infectious diseases. Complications were ob-served in 55 patients (41.4%). The most common complication was persistent air leakage in 18 (13.5%) patients. Complications were associated with large pneumothorax (P=0.003), poor physical performance (P=0.009), infectious diseases (P= 0.030), and occupational risk factors (P=0.032). Recurrence was developed in 12 (9.0%) patients. Postoperative recurrence was observed in 1 patient. Four (3%) patients died. Mortality was higher in patients with poor physical performance (P=0.027), comorbidities (P=0.008), and patients with complications (P=0.027). The length of stay in the hospital was high in mini-axillary T (AT)/T (P<0.001) and VATS (P<0.001). There was no significant relationship between the mini-AT/T and VATS in terms of length of hospital stay. Large pneumothorax, poor physical performance, and comorbidity are associated with morbidity and mortality. Conservative treatment for small pneumothorax and chest tube for large pneumothorax is the most appropriate initial treatment. Resection of the bullous region through VATS or mini-AT/T is the most appropriate surgical technique.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Bullectomy and Partial Pleurectomy versus Chest Tube Drainage for Treatment of Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax-A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis.

Background and objective: Current guidelines recommend chest tube (CT) drainage as the initial treatment of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP). Surgery should be considered in cases of persistent air leak or recurrent disease. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is nowadays an established surgical treatment for complicated spontaneous pneumothorax. However, reports on VATS-bullectomy with partial pleurectomy (VBPP) for treatment of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) are limited. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of patients with secondary pneumothorax treated either by VBPP or CT drainage in our institution. Secondly, we assessed underlying clinical parameters to identify potential risk factors for SSP recurrence. Materials and Methods: Eighty-two patients were included in this study. Long-term recurrence rates and potential risk factors for SSP recurrence were analyzed. Results: Thirty-six patients (43.9%) underwent VBPP, whereas 46 (56.1%) patients subsequently underwent CT treatment. During a median follow-up period of 76.5 months, VBPP patients experienced a significantly low recurrence rate compared to CT patients (VBPP vs. CT: 16.7% vs. 41.3%; p = 0.016). However, VBPP was associated with a higher complication rate and significantly longer length of hospital stay (LOS). Male sex (male vs. female: p = 0.021) and CT treatment (VBPP vs. CT: p < 0.001) were identified as potential risk factors for SSP recurrence. Conclusions: VBPP is a suitable surgical treatment for SSP. However, prolonged LOS and possible complications should be discussed prior to VBPP.

Surgical treatment for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax: a risk factor analysis.

While surgery is an effective treatment for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP), it can be difficult, because affected patients are usually in a poor general condition. The present study investigated the risk factors of postoperative complications after surgery for SSP. Eighty-eight patients with SSP who underwent surgery from January 2006 to March 2018 were investigated. Clinical data were reviewed, and a multivariate analysis was performed. Eighty-four patients (95%) were males, and the median patient age was 72years. Underlying lung diseases were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 58 patients (65.9%), interstitial pneumonia in 26 (29.5%), and others in 4 (4.5%). Postoperative complications developed in 21 patients (24%). Hospital mortality/prolonged length of stay occurred in 6 patients (7%). A multivariate analysis showed that the preoperative performance status (performance status 0-2 vs. 3, hazard ratio: 6.570, 95% confidence interval: 1.980-21.800) was an independent predictor of postoperative complications. Surgery for SSP contributed to early chest tube removal and favorable outcomes. However, rare fatal events occurred, and the patient performance status was a risk factor for postoperative complications. A careful evaluation of each patient's performance status is needed to determine the need for surgical intervention for SSP.

Talc Pleurodesis for the Treatment of Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax and Pleural Effusion

Talc Pleurodesis for the Treatment of Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax and Pleural Effusion

Location of Ruptured Bullae in Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax.

BackgroundThe surgical treatment of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) can be complicated by fragile lung parenchyma. The preoperative prediction of air leakage could help prevent intraoperative lung injury during manipulation of the lung. Common sites of bulla development and ruptured bullae were investigated based on computed tomography (CT) and intraoperative findings.MethodsThe study enrolled 208 patients with SSP who underwent air leak control through video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). We retrospectively reviewed the sites of bulla development on preoperative CT and the rupture sites during VATS.ResultsOf the 135 cases of right-sided SSP, the most common rupture site was the apical segment (31.9%), followed by the azygoesophageal recess (27.4%). Of the 75 cases on the left side, the most common rupture site was the apical segment (24.0%), followed by the anterior basal segment (17.3%).ConclusionThe azygoesophageal recess and parenchyma along the cardiac border were common sites of bulla development and rupture. Studies of respiratory lung motion to measure the pleural pressure at the lung surface could help to determine the relationship between cardiogenic and diaphragmatic movement and bulla formation or rupture.

Reexpansion pulmonary edema after treatment of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax

Reexpansion pulmonary edema is an unusual, but commonly fatal, clinical state. It is denoted by the occurrence of unilateral pulmonary edema in a lung that has been speedily reinflated following a variable duration of collapse secondary to a pleural effusion or pneumothorax. Unilateral pulmonary edema is connected with a variable degree of hypoxia and hypotension, occasionally needing intubation and mechanical ventilation, and at times causing lethality. The exact pathophysiologic anomalies linked with this disorder are still not known, although reduced pulmonary surfactant levels and a proinflammatory status are supposed mechanisms. Early diagnosis is important because prognosis is based on early recognition and right treatment. Preventive means are still the best applicable approach for patient handling. Here, we report a case of a 25-year-old male patient who developed reexpansion pulmonary edema after intercostal drainage for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Single-Port Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery for Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Preliminary Results.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of single-port video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in the treatment of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP).MethodsTwenty-four patients who were scheduled to undergo single-port VATS for SSP were studied. The medical records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up duration was 26.1±19.8 months. In order to evaluate the feasibility of single-port VATS for SSP, the postoperative results of single-port VATS (n=15) in patients with emphysema were compared with those of emphysematous patients who underwent three-port VATS (n=15) during the study period.ResultsSingle-port VATS was feasible in 19 of 24 patients (79.2%), while an additional port was needed in five patients. In the single-port VATS patients, the median operation time, duration of chest tube drainage, and hospital stay were 84.0 minutes, one day, and two days, respectively. Postoperative complications included prolonged chest tube drainage for more than five days (n=1), wound infection (n=1), and vocal fold palsy (n=1). No recurrence of pneumothorax was observed during the follow-up period. The median operation time, duration of chest tube drainage, and hospital stay of the emphysematous patients who underwent single-port VATS were shorter than those who underwent three-port VATS group (p<0.05 for all parameters).ConclusionSingle-port VATS proved to be a feasible procedure in the treatment of patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Results of surgical treatment for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax according to underlying diseases.

The outcome of surgical treatment for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) has rarely been investigated. We retrospectively reviewed 183 patients who underwent surgery for SSP. We categorized the patients into three groups according to underlying diseases: Group A (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Group B (interstitial pneumonia [IP]) and Group C (others). We defined treatment success as surgery without hospital mortality, postoperative complications, death within 6 months or ipsilateral recurrence of pneumothorax within 2 years. We assessed the risk factors for unsuccessful treatment using a Cox regression hazard model. There were 123 patients in Group A, 20 in Group B and 40 in Group C. The hospital mortality rates were 2, 15 and 0% in Groups A, B and C, respectively. The hospital mortality, morbidity and pneumothorax recurrence rates in the IP group were higher than in the other groups. The 5-year overall survival rates were 78, 32 and 84% in Groups A, B and C, respectively; the prognosis of the IP group was significantly poorer. The treatment success rates were 86, 45 and 83% in Groups A, B and C, respectively. SSPs caused by IP and SSPs requiring open surgery were identified as the risk factors for unsuccessful treatment. Surgery for SSP caused by underlying diseases other than IP yielded favourable results. However, a careful examination of surgical indication and a realistic disclosure for informed consent are required for patients with SSP caused by IP, because of the high treatment failure rate.

When Is the Optimal Timing of the Surgical Treatment for Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax?

Objectives The definition of spontaneous pneumothorax is accumulation of air in the pleural space, resulting in dyspnea or chest pain. Unlike primary spontaneous pneumothorax, secondary pneumothorax can be a life-threatening condition and spontaneous healing rate is uncommon. Although surgery is the most effective treatment modality for pneumothorax, surgical management and timing is difficult where there is underlying lung disease and/or medical comorbidities. Prolonged air leakage increases the morbidity and mortality in thoracic surgery. We hypothesized that duration of air leakage before operation may lead to increase in complications. Methods This study is a retrospective review of 155 consecutive patients with air leakage who underwent bullectomy for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax from January 2005 to July 2013. The patients were divided according to the duration of preoperative air leakage. The patients were followed-up until the time of last visit or death. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were assessed and the risk factors for complications were analyzed. Results The median age was 65 years (range, 52-88) with male predominance (96.13%). The median duration of preoperative air leakage was 6 days (range, 1-30). The median surgery time was 90 minutes (range, 25-300) and median hospital stay after operation was 7 days (range, 3-75). Postoperative complications occurred in 38 patients (24.52%) and postoperative recurrence was shown to have occurred in 8 patients (5.16%). With multivariate analysis, risk factors for postoperative complications were: underlying interstitial lung disease and air leakage > 5 days before operation. Conclusion Persistent air leakage was a major surgical indication for pneumothorax. Early surgical treatment reduced postoperative complications for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax.

ソフト凝固法による嚢胞焼灼術を行った非結核性抗酸菌症合併続発性気胸の1例

ソフト凝固法による嚢胞焼灼術を行った非結核性抗酸菌症合併続発性気胸の1例

Treatment outcomes of pneumothorax with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Coexisting pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema in the same individual has received increased attention. We retrospectively investigated treatment outcomes of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with both pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema. Among 362 consecutive secondary spontaneous pneumothorax patients treated at our hospital from 2003 to 2012, 58 with emphysema-dominant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (all elderly men with a smoking history) were enrolled and divided into 2 groups based on computed tomography images: emphysema alone (n = 51) and coexisting emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis (n = 7). The clinical characteristics and mortality were compared between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate after nonsurgical treatment. No patient died of pneumothorax-related complications, but one of 2 with pulmonary fibrosis who underwent surgery died of a postoperative respiratory complication. The mortality rate from respiratory failure during follow-up was significantly higher in the group with pulmonary fibrosis (6/7) than in the group without pulmonary fibrosis (11/51, p = 0.002). The median survival was 0.8 years in the group with pulmonary fibrosis vs. and 5.4 years in the group without pulmonary fibrosis. The coexistence of pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema on computed tomography images may represent a predictor of respiratory mortality in elderly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. Because of the potential risk of respiratory failure, we recommend nonsurgical treatment for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with these radiological features.

Surgery for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax: risk factors for recurrence and morbidity

Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) is more common in elderly patients; it has high rates of recurrence and mortality, even if surgery is performed. There has been little study on the surgical treatment of SSP. Therefore, we analysed the outcomes of surgical treatment of SSP patients, and investigated the risk factors of recurrence and morbidity. We studied 97 consecutive surgical treatments on 94 patients with SSP who had emphysematous changes of lung retrospectively. Emphysematous changes on preoperative computed tomography image were evaluated by the Goddard score, which is a visual scoring system. First, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed, followed by bullectomy for the responsible lesions. The rate of morbidity was 20.6% and that of mortality was 4.1%. Recurrence rate was 9.3%. By multivariate analysis, a Goddard score≥7 (odds ratio: 8.93, P=0.033) and treatment of bulla without the use of staplers (odds ratio: 11.57, P=0.019) were significant risk factors for morbidity, while pulmonary fibrosis tended to increase the risk of recurrence (hazard ratio: 4.21, P=0.051), and a Goddard score≥7 (hazard ratio: 7.79, P=0.023) was a significant risk factor for recurrence. Surgical treatment in patients with SSP had favourable results. Treatment in which the base of the bulla cannot be definitely shut off with staplers is associated with increased morbidity. Significant emphysematous change on preoperative computed tomography image and pulmonary fibrosis are predictors of recurrence. Patients with these findings should be investigated in terms of the indications of surgery and additional treatment, not only bullectomy.

Surgery for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax

Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) can occur in patients who are suffering from diffuse lung disease. The main cause of SSP is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In contrast to primary spontaneous pneumothorax, SSP is a potentially life-threatening condition because patients with SSP also have limited cardiopulmonary reserve. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of SSP are mandatory. In this review, thoracoscopy, a less invasive surgical treatment for SSP, is discussed from the viewpoint of postoperative morbidity, mortality, and recurrence of SSP. A meta-analysis showed that postoperative recurrence of pneumothorax is more frequently observed following thoracoscopy than following open thoracotomy. Recent studies on thoracoscopic surgery for SSP have shown that the rate of postoperative morbidity is still high (15-27.7%) and thoracoscopy is sometimes replaced with open thoracotomy because of dense pleural adhesion or inability to maintain one-lung ventilation during surgery. However, many thoracic surgeons prefer to perform thoracoscopic surgery for SSP because it is less invasive than open thoracotomy. Techniques for bullectomy and pleurodesis are currently being adapted to decrease the recurrence rate of pneumothorax. Thoracoscopic surgery for the treatment of SSP should be less invasive to reduce postoperative morbidity, and it should also be more effective to reduce the recurrence of pneumothorax.

Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Spontaneous Pneumothorax

This is the fourth update of the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pneumothorax published by the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR). Spontaneous pneumothorax, or the presence of air in the pleural space not caused by injury or medical intervention, is a significant clinical problem. We propose a method for classifying cases into 3 categories: partial, complete, and complete with total lung collapse. This classification, together with a clinical assessment, would provide sufficient information to enable physicians to decide on an approach to treatment. This update introduces simple aspiration in an outpatient setting as a treatment option that has yielded results comparable to conventional drainage in the management of uncomplicated primary spontaneous pneumothorax; this technique is not, as yet, widely used in Spain. For the definitive treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax, the technique most often used by thoracic surgeons is video-assisted thoracoscopic bullectomy and pleural abrasion. Hospitalization and conventional tube drainage is recommended for the treatment of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. This update also has a new section on catamenial pneumothorax, a condition that is probably underdiagnosed. The definitive treatment for a recurring or persistent air leak is usually surgery or the application of talc through the drainage tube when surgery is contraindicated. Our aim in proposing algorithms for the management of pneumothorax in these guidelines was to provide a useful tool for clinicians involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Pigtail catheter drainage for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax

Sir, Several treatments are recommended for a first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP), including simple observation, oxygen supplementation, simple aspiration and chest tube drainage, depending on the severity of pneumothoraces. 1 However, management for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) remains problematic, because of the lack of universally accepted management guidelines. Previously, we reported our experience in treating PSP using pigtail tube drainage and the results were promising.2 However, it is still not known whether the pigtail catheter is effective in the management of SSP. We now report our experience and results using the pigtail catheter in the treatment of SSP over a 3-year period. From July 2002 to July 2005, 64 patients with a first episode of SSP treated at the China Medical University Hospital were included in our series: 52 males (81%) and 12 females (19%). The age range was 17–91 years, mean ± SD 59.5 ± 19.0. A chest ultrasound examination was performed first for guidance; then the pigtail catheter (10 …

Videothoracoscopic operation for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax

Thoracotomy for the management of a secondary spontaneous pneumothorax is associated with a high perioperative risk related to the presence of underlying lung disease. Videothoracoscopy offers the potential therapeutic benefits of a minimally invasive approach. We report on a series of 22 patients (19 men and 3 women) with a mean age of 70 years (range, 46 to 92 years) who underwent Videothoracoscopic surgical procedures for the treatment of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. All patients had emphysema; their mean preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 48% of predicted and their mean forced vital capacity was 64% of predicted. Eighteen patients presented with a persistent air leak and their mean preoperative hospital stay was 18 days (range, 6 to 40 days). Fleurectomy was performed in all 22 patients, together with bullectomy in 20 patients, with a mean overall operating time of 57 minutes (range, 24 to 90 minutes). General anesthesia was used in each patient. Single-lung ventilation, used in the majority, was found to be superior to high-frequency jet ventilation. The postoperative analgesic requirement was minimal (average, 15 mg of morphine in the first 12 hours), and no patient required reventilation. A revisional thoracotomy for the management of a persistent postoperative air leak was required in 4 patients, one of whom subsequently died in respiratory failure. The mean postoperative stay was 9 days (range, 3 to 26 days). At a mean follow-up of 8.6 months (range, 2 to 15 months), no pneumothorax had recurred. In comparison with our experience using this technique to treat primary spontaneous pneumothorax in 33 patients, the operating time was not significantly longer, lesa postoperative analgesia was requited, the durations of postoperative chest drainage and hospital stay were longer, and there were more primary treatment failures. Videothoracoscopic operation has proved to be an effective treatment for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax in elderly patients who represent high-risk candidates for thoracotomy, and thus it increases the surgical options for this condition.