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Updated: Jul 27, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Multimodal Analgesia and Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia
Published on: May 26, 2023
Urgent lung volume reduction surgery is effective for secondary pneumothorax in emphysema patients
Annalisa Barbarossa1,2, Dirk Van Raemdonck1,2, Walter Weder3
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
Secondary pneumothorax due to emphysema can be life-threatening and requires surgery in most situations. Here, we extended lung resection to close the fistula using lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS). We present a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax referred after ineffective treatment by chemical pleurodesis. Urgent LVRS followed by elective LVRS was performed obtaining air-leak resolution and significantly improving pulmonary function and quality of life. We discuss the surgical technique and effectiveness of LVRS as a treatment for pneumothorax.
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