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

BACKGROUND: 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.

METHODS: 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.

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSIONS: 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.