Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Bullectomy Research Articles

Bullectomy with video-assisted thoracic surgery and minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum simultaneously

IntroductionPectus excavatum (PE) is the most common chest wall deformity. Surgical treatment with minimally invasive repair (MIRPE) is the most preferred surgical procedure. In the presence of additional pulmonary pathologies, simultaneous surgical procedures have been considered, but there are few cases reported in the literature.Case presentationMIRPE was planned for a 15-year-old male patient due to PE. The day before the surgery, the patient developed sudden onset of shortness of breath. Pneumothorax was observed on the right side in the chest radiograph. Thereupon, the surgery was brought forward. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) bullectomy was performed in the left lateral decubitus position. MIRPE was then performed through the same incision in the semi-lateral decubitus position. The patient was planned to be discharged on the 7th day, but on the day of discharge, a pneumothorax on the left was observed on the chest x-ray. VATS bullectomy was performed in the left semi-lateral decubitus position. The patient was discharged on postoperative day five.ConclusionSince the long-term results of simultaneous surgical procedures are unknown. With MIRPE, results such as less pain, shorter hospital stays, and earlier involvement in social life are achieved. Keeping in mind that these advantages may be lost with additional procedures, we think that simultaneous procedures should be planned.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) in the Treatment of Pulmonary Bulla

Introduction: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been widely applied for the treatment of intrathoracic diseases, including bullous lung disease. VATS has been evaluated to replace thoracotomy for various lung resection surgeries. This study aims to determine the efficacy, safety, and outcome VATS for bullectomy. Method: This retrospective study was performed from January 2021 to December 2022 in the department of Thoracic Surgery at National Institute of Diseases of the Chest & Hospital, Dhaka and Green Life Hospital, Dhaka. We reviewed all the patients who underwent bullectomy through VATS within this period. The demographic and operative variables were collected. The safety and efficacy of the procedure in terms of postoperative complications and change in lung function after bullectomy was analysed. Result: Forty patients underwent elective VATS bullectomy due either to giant bulla or pneumothorax. Among them, 36 were male with mean age 47.4 years (range 20-65 years). There was significant improvement in lung function following bullectomy. Approximately one third patients (32.5%) developed postoperative complications, majority having air leak. There was no postoperative mortality within 30 days. Conclusion: VATS resection is a safe and effective treatment for bullous lung disease with significant improvement in symptoms and lung function following surgery. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2023; 41(4): 287-293

Symptomatic unilateral idiopathic giant bullous emphysema : a case report

BackgroundIdiopathic Giant Bullous Emphysema (or Vanishing Lung Syndrome) is a rare condition which is usually associated with male gender, active smoking and underlying emphysematous disease. We present an unusual case of a giant bulla occurring in the absence of these risk factors.Case presentationA 54-year-old woman presented to the respiratory outpatient clinic with gradually worsening left sided chest discomfort, which was most marked during a recent flight. She had no significant dyspnoea or other symptoms. She had a remote 5-pack-year smoking history. Chest X-Ray revealed a large hyperlucent area in the left upper lobe. CT Thorax found this to be an isolated bulla occupying more than one-third of the hemithorax. The remaining lung parenchyma was normal. A diagnosis of Idiopathic Giant Bullous Emphysema was made. The patient was referred for VATS (Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) bullectomy which was carried out without complication. Her symptoms resolved completely following the operation.ConclusionsThis is an unusual case of a solitary giant bulla occurring without major risk factors or underlying lung disease. VATS bullectomy was shown to be an effective therapeutic option, allowing re-expansion of compressed lung tissue and complete resolution of symptoms.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) for Spontaneous Pneumothorax and Emphysematous Bullous Lung Disease: A Study From Northern India.

Introduction: Bullous lung disease is the most common cause of spontaneous pneumothorax. The management of the same is primarily surgical, aiming at the bullectomy, which was earlier performed by standard postero-lateral thoracotomy. The last two decades have seen more frequent use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for the same and has been shown to be a low morbidity, efficacious, and cost-effective method. In this study we assess the role of VATS in the spectrum of bullous lung disease.Method: The study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, for a period of three years from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2019 in which patients with bullous lung diseases were enrolled and the role of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was assessed in them.Results: The study included a total of 75 patients who were managed operatively either by VATS or open thoracotomy. In the study group, the average age of patients was 35.6 years (range 16-68 years). The most common presentation was only bullous lung disease (BLD) in 40% of patients followed by 32% of patients having both BLD and broncho-pleural fistula (BPF). Apical segmentectomy/non-anatomical wedge resection was done in 36% of patients whereas VATS bullectomy was done in 36% of patients. Elective conversion to thoracotomy was planned in six patients because of dense adhesions and thick pleural peel. We performed pleurodesis in almost all cases (96%). Mean blood loss in the VATS procedure was 48.7 ml and mean operative time was 67.2 minutes. Mean duration of hospital stay was 4.8 days. Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) increased significantly from a mean of 65.80% to 77.60%. There was significant increase in forced vital capacity (FVC) mean from 70.30% to 79.50%.Conclusion: VATS can be used as a safe, feasible and effective procedure in patients presenting with spontaneous pneumothorax and bullous lung disease with or without a broncho-pleural fistula or parenchymal leak. It should be preferred over the traditional open thoracotomy procedure, whenever feasible to do so, in view of decreased perioperative morbidity and better functional outcome.

Natural History of Contralateral Bullae/Blebs After Ipsilateral Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Contralateral bullae/blebs are frequently found in patients who are scheduled to undergo ipsilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). Should visible contralateral bullae/blebs be simultaneously resected when ipsilateral VATS bullectomy is performed? In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, we included patients aged≤ 30 years who underwent ipsilateral VATS for PSP from April 2009 to December 2019. Electronic medical records, radiograph images, and preoperative high-resolution CT images were reviewed. The primary end point was recurrence-free survival (no contralateral pneumothorax) after discharge of ipsilateral VATS for PSP, determined via Kaplan-Meier analysis. Recurrence was compared between the group with and that without contralateral bullae/blebs by using the log-rank test. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to investigate risk factors for contralateral pneumothorax. Among 567 patients, contralateral pneumothorax occurred in 86 of them after ipsilateral VATS (15.2%) during a median follow-up period of 51.3 (interquartile range, 67.2) months. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year recurrence-free survival rates were 92.2%, 83.7%, and 79.9%, respectively. Contralateral recurrence was higher in the group with (82/455, 18.0%) than in that without (4/112, 3.6%) contralateral bullae/blebs (P< .001). Age (hazard ratio [HR], 0.701; 95%CI, 0.629-0.780; P< .001), current smoking (HR, 2.106; 95%CI, 1.158-3.831; P= .015), and the presence of bullae/blebs (increasing with size, HR, 4.818-8.980; all P< .05) were independent risk factors for contralateral pneumothorax. The annual rates of contralateral pneumothorax in the group with (4.0%) and in that without (0.7%) contralateral bullae/blebs declined over time. Although contralateral bullae/blebs were common in patients who underwent ipsilateral VATS for PSP and were statistically significantly associated with future pneumothorax, the annual rate of pneumothorax was 4.0%in such patients, and it decreased over time. Therefore, a conservative approach on unruptured contralateral bullae/blebs is recommended.

Thoracoscopic giant lung bullaectomy: our initial experience

BackgroundGiant lung bullae (GLB) are rare, and the only currently available management involves either an open surgical resection (thoracotomy) or the newer minimally invasive resection consisting of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The aim of our study was to evaluate the possible influence of GLBs pulmonary attachment on patient's post-operative complications.MethodsA retrospective analysis included all consecutive patients with GLBs who underwent bullae's surgical resection from 7/2007 to 12/2018. GLBs patient's individual characteristics, including demographics, comorbidities, and clinical pre-operative, surgical intra-operative and post-operative data were evaluated.Results20 patients with GLBs, 15 males and 5 females with average age of 48.9 years (range, 22–67 years) underwent 21 surgical procedures. The GLBs were located in the right lung in 12 patients, in the left lung in seven patients, and in both lungs in one patient. Fifteen patients (75%) were symptomatic on admission and underwent urgent surgery. Five asymptomatic patients (25%) were operated on electively. Thirteen from 21 surgical procedures (61.9%) were VATS bullectomy, while the other eight were thoracotomies (38.1%). Complications included pneumonia successfully treated with intravenous antibacterial therapy in two thoracotomy patients and in one VATS patient (three patients, 14.2%) and a prolonged air leak in two thoracotomy and four VATS patients (six patients, 28.5%). Out of 21 GLBs, eight had a wide attachment with lung parenchyma (wide-based bullae's) and 13 had a short attachment (short-based bullae's). Two re-operated patients, with prolonged air leak complicated with empyema, had a wide-based GLBs. The median hospital stay was nine days. All patients completed the 24-month follow-up.ConclusionsMinimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery as an open thoracotomy surgery is a safe and effective for giant lung bullae (GLB). Patients with wide-based GLBs were more likely to develop postoperative prolonged air leak that requiring re-operation.

Does Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Bullectomy and Partial Pleurectomy for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax Impair Health-Related Quality of Life and Pulmonary Function?

Background: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with partial pleurectomy is an established treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). However, postoperative pulmonary function and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) after VATS–bullectomy with partial pleurectomy (VBPP) have not been elucidated. Methods: Eligible patients were assessed for HR-QoL using the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) health survey. Pulmonary function (PF) was evaluated by spirometry. We compared the results of the VBPP cohort with the German national norms, and with a similar cohort of patients successfully treated by chest tube (CT) only. Results: A total of 25 VBPP patients completed the SF-36 health survey, of whom 15 presented for PF assessment. Between the VBPP and CT groups, the mean forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC ratio were not statistically significantly different. However, in both groups, FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC were above the lower limit of normal (LLN), suggesting no restrictive or obstructive patterns. Compared with the sex- and age-matched normal German population, patients who underwent VBPP displayed a similar physical component summary score and a significantly decreased mental component summary score. Interestingly, comparison of the SF-36 domains between the VBPP and CT groups showed no statistical difference. Conclusion: VBPP is a suitable surgical treatment for PSP, with no apparent adverse impacts on pulmonary or physical function. However, psychological distress and measures to counteract its impact should be considered.

Axillary uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for bullae is a cosmetically superior approach to primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a case report

BackgroundBulla is a common cause of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) through the lateral chest wall is a common surgical approach and an effective treatment for this condition, but postoperative incision scars affect the aesthetic outcome. VATS via axillary approach can hide the scar in the axilla, and the wound in its natural state is invisible; this greatly improves the cosmetic appearance. To our knowledge, this is the first report of VATS-based bullectomy via the axillary approach in a patient with spontaneous pneumothorax.Case presentationA 20-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital with a 2-day history of chest tightness and chest pain. Plain chest computed tomography showed right spontaneous pneumothorax, lung compression of 75%, and right pulmonary bulla. After complete preoperative examination, VATS bullectomy via right axillary approach was performed. During the operation, a bulla measuring about 4 × 4 cm was found at the apex of the right lung and resected. The incision healed well, and the patient was discharged after surgery.ConclusionsVATS bullectomy via axillary approach is safe and feasible, with the incision hidden in the axilla and not visible in the natural state. This method leaves no scar on the chest wall and has good cosmetic outcome.

Should We Consider the Resected Lung Volume in Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax?

Although bullectomy is the most curative treatment in primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP), postoperative recurrence is not uncommon. New bulla formation at the staple line is the most common cause of recurrence. However, the mechanism is not known. We believe that the pressure gradient plays the main role in new bulla formation. A large resection amount induces a prolonged pressure gradient for obliteration of the residual space. This study aimed to identify the association between resected lung volume and recurrence. The medical records of patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) bullectomy were reviewed between October 2010 and December 2017. A total of 396 patients underwent surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax. The electronic medical records (EMRs) of the patients were reviewed. Patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax were excluded. Patients who were diagnosed with emphysema on CT were excluded. Patients with PSP were excluded from the study if the bulla was not located in the apex or if there was no ruptured bulla at the time of the operation. Patients who lacked EMRs were also excluded. We reviewed the medical records of 276 patients. The apical resected lung volume was estimated using a conical volumetric formula with the use of the specimen size. The risk factors for postoperative recurrence were analyzed. The median age was 19years old (range 13-36). A total of 261 patients were male (94.6%). The median body weight and body mass index (BMI) were 58kg (range 40-82) and 18.92 (range 15.21-26.47), respectively. In 24 patients, both sides were operated on simultaneously. The resected lung volume was obtained by using a conical volumetric formula, and the value was divided by the BMI value. The median value was 1.43 (0.03-5.67). The median operative time was 35min (range 15-120). The median postoperative day was 4 (range 2-12). Age (p = 0.006), the value of the resected lung volume divided by BMI (p = 0.003), bilateral bullectomy (p = 0.013) and transverse diameter (p = 0.034) were associated with postoperative recurrence according to the univariate analysis. According to the multivariate analysis, age and the value of the lung volume divided by BMI were significant risk factors for postoperative recurrence. Younger age and a large resected lung volume and a low BMI are associated with postoperative recurrence after VATS bullectomy for PSP.

Contralateral bulla neogenesis associated with postoperative recurrences of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in young patients.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is considered an acceptable treatment for recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). However, recent reports have described a high postoperative recurrence rate in young patients with PSP. We hypothesized that ineffective VATS may have been performed for these patients (aged <25 years). We evaluated the factors preventing postoperative recurrence in young PSP patients in order to identify patients with effective surgery. Between April 2009 and December 2018, we retrospectively evaluated 92 patients aged <25 years who underwent first VATS bullectomy for PSP. Factors such as gender, smoking habit, history of contralateral PSP, family history, body mass index (BMI), and contralateral bulla neogenesis on high-resolution computed tomography were evaluated. The mean BMI was 18.8±1.8. Contralateral bulla neogenesis was present in 31 patients (33.7%). The median period of observation for postoperative recurrence was 401.5 days. Thirty cases (32.6%) developed postoperative recurrence. Univariate and multivariable analyses showed that a BMI ≥18.0 and no contralateral bulla neogenesis were significant factors preventing postoperative recurrence (P=0.018, hazard ratio: 0.41 and P=0.0046, hazard ratio: 0.25, respectively). Although the patients aged <25 years have a high rate of postoperative recurrence, the patients with BMI ≥18.0 and no contralateral bulla neogenesis have a significantly lower rate of postoperative recurrence rate.

Comparative study between local anesthesia and general anesthesia in the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

There is increasing interest in non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). At present, this method is used in various types of thoracic surgery. Especially, simple wedge resection via VATS is thought to be an optimal indication of non-intubated VATS. This study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of VATS bullectomy under local anesthesia by comparison with bullectomy under general anesthesia. A total of 183 cases of wedge resection under general anesthesia and 52 cases of wedge resection under local anesthesia were examined. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to assess the feasibility, usability, and cost effectiveness of wedge resection under local anesthesia. The preoperative clinical parameters, including age, sex, and the number of pneumothorax episodes and previous operations, were used to match cases and controls. There were no significant differences between the local and general anesthesia groups in operative time (57.5±23.1 and 56.6±25.6 min, respectively; P=0.857), type of operation [single-incision thoracoscopic surgery (SITS), n=48 and n=47, respectively; multi-port-VATS (M-VATS), n=4 and n=5, respectively; P=0.730], or chest tube indwelling time (3.6±1.5 and 4.4±2.5 days, respectively; P=0.064). The mean times from arrival at the operating room (OR) to skin incision (16.4±12.3 and 46.4±17.2 min, respectively; P<0.001), and from the end of surgery to arrival at the general ward (36.0±25.6 and 58.1±20.9 min, respectively; P<0.001) were significantly shorter in the local anesthesia group than the general anesthesia group. The total cost was significantly lower in the local anesthesia group than in the general anesthesia group (4,890.6±717.1 and 5,739.1±1,154.6, respectively; P<0.001). Local anesthesia shortened the overall hospital stay by reducing the interval between admission and surgery, allowing immediate ambulation after surgery. In addition, this method reduced costs by avoiding the need for anesthesia.

Postoperative predictors of ipsilateral and contralateral recurrence in patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Preventive surgery for contralateral recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) remains controversial and few studies discussed both ipsilateral and contralateral recurrences simultaneously. Thus, we aimed to identify the predictors of ipsilateral and contralateral PSP recurrence and to review literatures on the association of blebs/bullae on HRCT with PSP recurrence. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who were treated at our hospital for first recurrence of PSP between January 2001 and December 2005. This study included 553 patients who were followed-up for a mean period of 124 months. Ipsilateral and contralateral recurrence of PSP developed in 19.35% and 15.19% of patients, respectively. In the Cox regression analysis, the only significant predictors were no video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) bullectomy (OR: 16.629, P<0.001) for ipsilateral recurrence, and the presence of blebs/bullae on HRCT (OR: 3.215, P=0.024) and low BMI (<18.5 kg/m2) (OR: 1.560, P=0.045) for contralateral recurrence. VATS bullectomy was a strong independent predictor for prevention of ipsilateral PSP recurrence. Patients with contralateral blebs or bullae on chest HRCT or those with low BMI may be candidates for preventive VATS bullectomy to avoid recurrences and possible complications.

Uniportal video assisted thoracoscopic surgery bullectomy and double pleurodesis for primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) usually occurs in young adults, with higher incidence in smoker, and patients with narrow chest frame and slim body habitus. Surgery is indicated in the cases of recurrence episodes or persistent lung collapse, and failed conservative management by chest drain insertion. Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) bullectomy and pleurodesis is the surgical treatment of choice but uniportal approach has been utilised to further minimise surgical trauma, improve cosmesis without compromising the efficacy of the procedure. This video demonstrated the uniportal procedure for bullectomy and double pleurodesis for PSP. A 2.5 cm incision was made at 4th intercostal space, anterior axillary line. Extra small size wound protector was used and CO2 insufflation was not needed. Adhesion divided with diathermy and visible apical bullae was resected using endoscopic stapler. Abrasive pleurodesis performed by using scratch patch mounted on Robert clamp, gently running along the parietal pleura within the chest wall. In addition, 5 grams of pure talc was delivered into pleural space. Single drain inserted via the port and lung fully inflated upon resuming ventilation by anaesthetist. Drain remained for 48 hours under negative pressure of -20 mmHg and patient usually went home on day 3 post-operatively. During the period from 2009 to 2015, over 160 cases of PSP were treated using this method by the author. To date, there is no recurrence reported upon follow up at outpatient clinic. There was no mortality and patients resumed active physical activity 8 weeks after the procedure. Uniportal VATS bullectomy and double pleurodesis is a safe procedure for treating PSP and effective in preventing future recurrence of lung collapse. This simple approach should be encouraged and performed by all enthusiastic VATS thoracic surgeons.

The Presence of a Reticulated Trabecula-Like Structure Increases the Risk for the Recurrence of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax after Thoracoscopic Bullectomy.

Deteriorated alveolar structure at the base of blebs and bullae is known as the reticulated trabecula-like structure. Its clinical significance in primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the structure on recurrence of PSP after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) bullectomy. Between April 2010 and March 2014, 80 cases of PSP in 76 patients who underwent VATS bullectomy using endoscopic staplers were included. The staple line was covered with polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue. Cases were assigned to a normal alveolar structure (NAS) group (n = 54) and a reticulated trabecula-like structure (RT) group (n = 26) based on the histological analysis. Factors associated with recurrence were analysed using logistic regression. The reticulated trabecula-like structure was significantly related to apical lung blebs. The recurrence rate of PSP was significantly higher in the RT group than in the NAS group (38.5% vs. 3.7%; P <0.001). On multivariate analysis, the reticulated trabecula-like structure was an independent factor for recurrence of PSP after VATS bullectomy. The change of alveolar structure at the base of apical lung blebs would increase the risk for recurrence of PSP after VATS bullectomy.