Thoracoscopic treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax without pleurodesis: a preliminary report

Laparoscopy has shown to be associated with less morbidity than laparotomy. General surgeons are realizing that procedures so far performed through traditional incisions can be equally performed effectively by laparoscopy. Likewise it is apparent that some thoracic procedures are amenable to thoracoscopic approach. With the development of new instrumentation thoracoscopy is effective for the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax. Pleurodesis seems to increase the morbidity associated with the thoracoscopic procedure and may reduce its effectiveness. Results of 17 consecutive cases of spontaneous pneumothorax treated thoracoscopically without pleurodesis are herein presented. No significant complications were encountered and no recurrences have been identified so far. Pleurodesis was omitted chiefly because it increases the morbidity of thoracoscopy.