Video-assisted thoracoscopy versus open thoracotomy for spontaneous pneumothorax

This retrospective study was designed to compare the contribution of the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open thoracotomy in the management of spontaneous pneumothorax (SP). The medical records of 100 patients with recurring or persisting (SP) treated were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: group I treated by thoracotomy while in group II (VATS) was used. There were 96 men and 6 women aged from 16 to 75 years. Indications for operation and sex distribution were comparable. The mean age for group I was 35 years and for group II was 45 years. Hospital stay was identical in both groups. The amount of narcotic requirements was lesser in group II than in group I as well as the postoperative respiratory dysfunction. There have been no recurrence to date (mean follow-up 6 years for the group I and 3 years for the group II). VATS have been shown to produce results comparable to those obtained following open thoracotomy with reduction of postoperative pain, respiratory dysfunction, catabolic response to trauma and decrease in wound related complications. VATS is a valid alternative to open thoracotomy for primary (SP) but it should be used with caution for the management of secondary pneumothorax.