Treatment of Spontaneous Pneumothorax by Video-assisted Minithoracotomy Surgery

ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and superiority of video assisted minithoracotomy surgery(VAMTS) for spontaneous pneumothorax.MethodsThe clinical data of 52 cases of spontaneous pneumothorax undergoing bullectomy and pleurodesis from Apr 2003 to Jan 2008 were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsThe operating time was 90 to 260 minutes and the duration of chest drainage was from 3 to 15 days,the postoperative hospital stay was from 8 to 28 days.Postoperative complications were prolonged air leakage(2 cases) and pulmonary edema(2 cases).All 52 patients were cured.No recurrence case was found in the follow-up of 6 to 60 months(average 33 months).ConclusionThe shorter surgery time,less bleeding,faster recovery and shorter time in hospital are the main advantageous of VATM in treating patients with spontaneous pneumothorax.