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[Limited axillary thoracotomy for recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax]
1Dept. of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hadassah-University Hospital, Ein Karem, Jerusalem.
Harefuah
|January 7, 1998
Summary
Limited axillary thoracotomy (LAT) offers a safe surgical option for recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. This less invasive technique shows potential benefits in reduced operative time, hospital stay, and cost compared to video-assisted thoracoscopy.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax frequently necessitates surgical intervention.
- Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) and limited axillary thoracotomy (LAT) are emerging less invasive thoracic surgical techniques.
- Comparing the efficacy of LAT with VAT is crucial for treatment selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of limited axillary thoracotomy (LAT) for recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax.
- To compare the results of LAT with published data on video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 14 patients aged 16-33 years undergoing LAT for recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax (October 1994 - May 1996).
- Surgical procedure involved resection of blebs and apical pleurectomy using multifire GIA 80 staplers.
- Follow-up ranged from 5-17 months.
Main Results:
- No complications or recurrences were observed during the follow-up period.
- Mean operative time was 52.2 minutes.
- Mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.3 days, with full activity regained in 12.1 days.
Conclusions:
- Limited axillary thoracotomy (LAT) is a safe and effective procedure for recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax.
- LAT demonstrates potential advantages over video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) in terms of decreased operative time, hospital stay, and cost.
- LAT offers a promising minimally invasive surgical approach for managing this condition.