[Thoracoscopy for the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax]

Video-assisted thoracoscopy has used for lots of thoracic disorders. Spontaneous pneumothorax may be ideally suited for thoracoscopic management. Stapling of apical blebs and pleurodesis can now be performed thoracoscopically. We compared our results with thoracoscopic management of spontaneous pneumothorax in 12 patients (group I) with a group of 8 patients (group II) previously subjected to lateral thoracotomy. Operative time and hospital stay were less in group I (P < 0.05), as the use of parenteral narcotics after 24 hours (P < 0.05). There have been no recurrences to date in group I. Video-assisted thoracoscopic management is safe and offers the benefits of shorter hospital stays and less pain.