[Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax; report of a case]
Tetsuyuki Okubo1, Masaya Kawada, Yoshinori Suzuki
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sapporo Medical Center Tonan Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.
Kyobu Geka. the Japanese Journal of Thoracic Surgery
|June 12, 2014
Summary
Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax (SBSP) in a teen was treated with a single-stage bilateral surgery. This video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach proved safe and effective for this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pulmonology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax (SBSP) is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition.
- Adolescent patients with SBSP often present with severe respiratory distress.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old male presented with acute dyspnea due to SBSP.
- Diagnostic imaging, including chest X-ray and CT scan, revealed bilateral apical bullae.
Findings:
- The patient successfully underwent a single-stage bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
- Bilateral bullectomy was performed sequentially, with no evidence of pleuro-pleural communication post-operatively.
- The intra-operative saline test confirmed the absence of air leakage between pleural cavities.
Implications:
- Single-stage bilateral VATS is a safe and feasible surgical option for SBSP.
- Conventional lateral thoracoscopic approach with patient repositioning is a familiar technique for thoracic surgeons.
- This approach offers an effective treatment strategy for adolescent patients with SBSP.
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