Management of the pediatric spontaneous pneumothorax: is primary surgery the treatment of choice?

Conservative and operative management of spontaneous pneumothorax in children and adolescents: Are we abusing of CT?

BACKGROUND

No age-specific pediatric guidelines exist for the management of spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) in children and adolescents. Treatment remains heterogeneous and center dependent. The role of computed tomography (CT) has yet to be defined.

AIMS

Review the management of SP in children and adolescents, with emphasis on conservative management and role of CT.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 61 consecutive patients with SP at single tertiary center. Clinical, radiological, surgical data, follow-up, and outcomes were revised.

RESULTS

First-line management was conservative for 32 (53%) patients and operative for 29 (47%). Asymptomatic/paucisymptomatic patients managed conservatively experienced less first-line treatment failure. Furthermore, the patients needing at least a chest drain or surgery during the follow-up were significantly lower in the conservative group. Conservative and operative patients showed no significant differences regarding ipsilateral recurrences or contralateral occurrences. Of the 61 overall CTs performed, 14 (23%) had an impact on management. Forty-three (70%) patients had at least a CT, in 22 (51%) the CT was positive for blebs. For 10 of these patients (45%) the presence of blebs had an impact on management. Patients with and without blebs showed no differences regarding ipsilateral recurrence, contralateral occurrences, or the need for at least a chest drain or surgery during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

First-line conservative management had a significantly shorter hospitalization and better outcome, with a similar incidence of recurrences. The presence of blebs at CT does not predict the risk of recurrence. The CT scan should be reserved for a small number of selected patients who have post-VATS refractory or recurrent pneumothorax.

Evaluation and Management of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review From the APSA Outcomes & Evidence-Based Practice Committee

INTRODUCTION

Controversy exists in the optimal management of adolescent and young adult primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice Committee performed a systematic review of the literature to develop evidence-based recommendations.

METHODS

Ovid MEDLINE, Elsevier Embase, EBSCOhost CINAHL, Elsevier Scopus, and Wiley Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were queried for literature related to spontaneous pneumothorax between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2020, addressing (1) initial management, (2) advanced imaging, (3) timing of surgery, (4) operative technique, (5) management of contralateral side, and (6) management of recurrence. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine manuscripts were included. Initial management of adolescent and young adult primary spontaneous pneumothorax should be guided by symptoms and can include observation, aspiration, or tube thoracostomy. There is no evidence of benefit for cross-sectional imaging. Patients with ongoing air leak may benefit from early operative intervention within 24-48 h. A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach with stapled blebectomy and pleural procedure should be considered. There is no evidence to support prophylactic management of the contralateral side. Recurrence after VATS can be treated with repeat VATS with intensification of pleural treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of adolescent and young adult primary spontaneous pneumothorax is varied. Best practices exist to optimize some aspects of care. Further prospective studies are needed to better determine optimal timing of operative intervention, the most effective operation, and management of recurrence after observation, tube thoracostomy, or operative intervention.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

TYPE OF STUDY

Systematic Review of Level 1-4 studies.

Use of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) in the Treatment of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (PSP) in Children

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to review the primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) patients we have treated and to discuss the results in terms of PSP treatment management and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) use in the light of the literature.

METHODS

The study was designed retrospectively and conducted at a tertiary referral university hospital between January 1, 2015 and May 1, 2021. Patients under the age of 18 years with a diagnosis of pneumothorax (PTX) were included in the study. Medical records were analyzed in terms of clinical characteristics, demographic data, findings from imaging data, procedures performed, and course of the disease at hospital. Patients with no evidence of PTX on radiologic imaging (direct postero-anterior chest X-ray (PACXR) or thoracic computed tomography (TCT)), incomplete medical records for follow-up, history of trauma, and neonatal PTX were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

The study was conducted on a total of 98 PTX cases in 69 patients, 61 (88.4%) males and eight (11.6%) females. The ages of the patients ranged between 13 and 17 years with a mean of 16.59 ± 0.95 years. While 48 (49%) PTX cases were treated with tube thoracostomy, 19 (19.4%) were treated with medical follow-up (nonsurgical treatment) and 31 (31.6%) were treated with VATS. A total of 31 VATS procedures were performed on 28 patients. The follow-up period after VATS ranged from tthree to 78 months, with a mean of 31.5 ± 20.3 months and a median of 28 months.

CONCLUSION

 Our retrospective study showed that TCT scanning did not provide additional benefit when PSP was detected on PACXR in patients presenting with chest pain and respiratory distress. According to the findings of our study, it was thought that the probability of undergoing an invasive procedure and surgical intervention increased as the percentage of PTX detected in PACXR increased. Tube thoracostomy may be required in a patient with PSP if PTX does not start to decrease and lung expansion does not increase after an average of 60 hours after the decision for medical follow-up, and if PTX is progressive in the follow-up. VATS can be performed on a patient with PSP when lung expansion does not increase after an average of 18 hours after tube thoracostomy, when PTX progresses, when air leakage continues for more than 10 days despite increased lung expansion, and when recurrent PTX occurs.

Management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in children: Current practices among Turkish pediatric surgeons

Background

This study aims to evaluate current practices in the management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax among Turkish pediatric surgeons.

Methods

Between October 2021 and November 2021, an online survey comprising 19 questions was delivered to all members of the Turkish Association of Pediatric Surgeons (TAPS). A total of 74 respondents (42 males, 32 females; mean age: 42.3±7.9 years; range, 29 to 61 years) were included.

Results

The response rate was 17.1% among all society members. The rate of utilization of computed tomography in the initial admission was 27.4%, and the rate of use in cases requiring surgical treatment was 78.4%. A total of 81% of surgeons reported that the size of the pneumothorax influenced management. For the first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax, 75.7% of surgeons opted for chest tube drainage, 14.9% for only oxygen administration, 4.1% for needle aspiration, and none of the surgeons preferred video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. For patients with a persistent air leak after chest tube placement, there was a wide variation in the duration of observation before performing surgery. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was the most preferred surgical intervention (75.3%) and the most preferred surgical method was stapled bullectomy (43.8%).

Conclusion

There are practice variations in the management of pediatric primary spontaneous pneumothorax among the society members. However, the majority of members seem to agree on the use of computed tomography, initial treatment, and surgical interventions.

Pediatric primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a comparison of treatment at pediatric surgery vs. thoracic surgery departments

Management of pediatric Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (PSP) is controversial and based on guidelines on adults. Therapeutic strategies include: observation, needle aspiration, chest drain, or surgery. We aimed to assess: i) differences in the management of PSP in pediatric vs. adult departments; ii) risk of recurrence associated to each therapeutic choice; iii) management of "large" pneumothorax (i.e. >3cm at the apex on chest X-Ray); iv) role of CT scan in addressing the treatment. We reviewed all PSP treated at Pediatric Surgery Unit (PSU) and Thoracic Surgery Unit for adults (TSU) in a 10-year period (2011 to 2020). We included a total of 42 PSP: 30/42 1st episodes and 12/42 recurrences. Among the 30/42 1st episodes, 15/30 were managed in the PSU and 15/30 in the TSU. Observation was significantly most common among PSU patients (9/15, 60%) vs. TSU cases (1/15, 6.7%; p=0.005]. Chest drain placement was reduced in PSU (3/15, 20%) vs. TSU (12/15, 80%; p=0.002). Observational was associated with a reduced risk of recurrence (0/10, 0%) compared to chest drain (7/15, 46.7%; p=0.01). Management of 20/42 "large" pneumothorax was: 4/20 (20%) observation, 10/20 (50%) chest drain, 2/20 (10%) needle aspiration, 4/20 (20%) surgery. Twentythree/ 29 PSP (79.3%) underwent CT-scan after the first episode. Bullae were detected in 17/23 patients and 5/17 (29.4%) had seven episodes of recurrence. PSP patients treated by PSU were more likely to receive clinical observation. Those managed by TSU were mostly treated by chest drain. Observation seems an effective choice for clinically stable PSP, with low risk of recurrence at a mid-term follow-up. CT-scan seems not to detect those patients at higher risk of recurrence.

Management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in children: A single institution protocol analysis

BACKGROUND

The Midwest Pediatric Surgery Consortium (MWPSC) suggested a simple aspiration of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) protocol, failing which, Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) should be considered. We describe our outcomes using this suggested protocol.

METHODS

A single institution retrospective analysis was conducted on patients between 12 and 18 years who were diagnosed with PSP from 2016 to 2021. Initial management involved aspiration alone with a ≤12 F percutaneous thoracostomy tube followed by clamping of the tube and chest radiograph at 6 h. Success was defined as ≤2 cm distance between chest wall and lung at the apex and no air leak when the clamp was released. VATS followed if aspiration failed.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients were included. Median age was 16.8 years (IQR 15.9, 17.3). Aspiration was successful in 33% (20), while 66% (39) required VATS. The median LOS with successful aspiration was 20.4 h (IQR 16.8, 34.8), while median LOS after VATS was 3.1 days (IQR 2.6, 4). In comparison, in the MWPSC study, the mean LOS for those managed with a chest tube after failed aspiration was 6.0 days (±5.5). Recurrence after successful aspiration was 45% (n = 9), while recurrence after VATS was 25% (n = 10). Median time to recurrence after successful aspiration was sooner than that of the VATS group [16.6 days (IQR 5.4, 19.2) vs. 389.5 days (IQR 94.1, 907.0) p = 0.01].

CONCLUSION

Simple aspiration is safe and effective initial management for children with PSP, although most will require VATS. However, early VATS reduces length of stay and morbidity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV. Retrospective study.

Early risk factors of operative management for hospitalization children with spontaneous pneumothorax

BACKGROUND

The optimal timing of operative management in children with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) remains controversial. This study sought to determine early risk factors for failure of chest tube nonoperative management during the initial hospitalization in adolescents with PSP.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted for children (aged ≤18 years) admitted to a single tertiary care referral center for their first presentation of a PSP managed with at least 48 h of chest tube decompression (CTD) alone. Patient outcomes and early risk factors for operative management were analyzed by multivariate regression.

RESULTS

Of the 39 patients who met inclusion criteria, 15 (38.5%) patients failed nonoperative treatment while 24 (61.5%) patients were managed with CTD therapy alone. Progression to thoracoscopic surgery was associated with longer CTD of 8 vs 3 days and hospital length of stay of 9 vs 4 days when compared to nonoperative management (p < 0.001, both). Air leak and increase in pneumothorax size at 24 h after CTD were independently associated with progression to surgery (p = 0.007, p = 0.002). Combined, these risk factors were associated with a significant increase in recurrence (OR 6.00, 95% CI 1.11-41.11, p = 0.048). There were no significant differences between PSP management strategies regarding cumulative radiation exposure or 2 year recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Air leak or increasing pneumothorax size within 24 h of CTD are highly correlated with failed nonoperative management during the initial hospitalization in pediatric patients with PSP. This data may be useful in the development of pediatric-specific treatment algorithms to optimally manage these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Treatment study, Level III.

Contemporary Role of Computed Tomography in Managing Pediatric Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

INTRODUCTION

The value of chest computed tomography (CT) in pediatric primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) remains controversial. This study sought to evaluate the utility of CT scans in a contemporary cohort of children with PSP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An institutional review board approval was obtained for a retrospective review of all children (aged ≤18 y) who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for PSP between 2009 and 2019 at a university-affiliated pediatric hospital. Preoperative CT scans were evaluated for diagnostic accuracy of the CT of bleb disease.

RESULTS

Thirty nine patients underwent VATS procedures for PSP, 34 (87%) of the patients were noted to have blebs. Twenty eight (72%) patients received preoperative CT scans with a 5.5:1 male to female ratio. On CT, 17 (61%) were diagnosed with blebs and all had blebs intraoperatively. CT did not identify disease in 11 patients, but seven had blebs intraoperatively. The positive and negative predictive values of preoperative CT for detecting ipsilateral bleb disease were 100% and 36%, respectively, with a sensitivity of 71%. Eleven patients had a contralateral disease on CT (39%). Five received elective contralateral VATS and three developed spontaneous PSP, with intraoperative blebs in all eight patients. Three never developed contralateral PSP. Six (21%) patients with no contralateral disease on CT developed spontaneous PSP with intraoperative blebs.

CONCLUSIONS

The decision to operate for PSP should be made based on clinical findings rather than on the presence or absence of blebs identified by CT.

Management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in teenagers: An 11-year study

AIM

Management of teenagers with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is not consensual. We report our experience over an 11-year period.

METHODS

For each patient under 20 years hospitalised with PSP from 2008 to 2018, demographic data, smoking habits, clinical presentation, hospitalisation unit, radiological management and its results, therapeutic management (observation, needle aspiration, chest tube drainage and surgery), complications, length of stay, given advice at discharge and recurrence were collected.

RESULTS

Seventy patients were included in different paediatric or adult surgery or pulmonology wards (82.9% boys; 16.8 ± 1.7 years; one severe presentation; 18/58 smokers). Chest CT-scan (n = 42/70, 60%) revealed blebs/bullae in 18/39 examinations (46.2%). Treatment consisted of observation (14/70, 20%), needle aspiration (2/70, 2.9%), chest tube (53/70, 75.7%) and video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (27/70, 38.6%). Half patients with interventional procedure presented complications. A median of 10 chest X-rays was noted during a median stay of 8 days. Advice concerning sport practice, flying, smoking, etc., was variably delivered. PSP recurrence concerned 35/70 patients (50%) without identified predictive factors.

CONCLUSION

Compared to recent recommendations of a more conservative approach, chest CT-scan and interventional strategy are overused in our teenagers with PSP. Observation, more or less needle aspiration, should be clearly the first-line treatments.

Children with large primary spontaneous pneumothoraxes may benefit from early operative intervention

PURPOSE

The initial management of primary spontaneous pneumothoraxes (PSP) in children remains controversial, particularly regarding the timing of operative intervention. This study aimed to identify factors associated with failure of non-operative management of PSP.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective review was performed for patients presenting with PSP. Demographics and clinical predictors were collected. Patients successfully managed non-operatively were compared to failed non-operative management. Fischer exact and Mann-Whitney tests were used as appropriate.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven pediatric patients were identified as having PSP. Four patients underwent initial surgical intervention, 60% (n = 34) were successfully managed non-operatively, while 33% (n = 19) failed non-operative management and underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Those who failed were more likely to have PSP > 2 cm on initial X-ray (79% vs. 44%, p = 0.021) and have a persistent air leak for > 48 h (47% vs 6%, p ≤ 0.001). LOS was greater in the failure group (11.5 ± 5.1 vs 3.1 ± 2.5, p ≤ 0.001) as well as higher complication rates (21% vs 0%, p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that patients presenting with PSP of > 2 cm or have a persistent air leak for > 48 h despite chest tube management are unlikely to be treated by chest tube alone and may benefit from earlier operative intervention.

Management of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in a Third-Level Pediatric Surgical Center: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

The management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in pediatrics remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of recurrence after non-surgical treatment vs. surgery, the difference in the length of stay (LOS) between various treatment options, and the role of computed tomography (CT) in the management of PSP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients admitted to our Pediatric Surgery Unit for an episode of PSP between June 2009 and July 2020. Medical records including clinical presentation at admission, diagnostics, treatments, complications, and LOS were collected.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients (22 males and 1 female) were included in this study. Median age was 15.65 (range 9-18). Chest X-rays were performed in all patients and showed 5 small (22%) and 18 large (78%) PSP. Chest drain was used for large PSP (≥2 cm) if the patient was clinically unstable. Eleven patients (48%) were managed non-operatively with observation alone and a recurrence rate of 18%, chest drain was used in 11 patients with a recurrence rate of 36%, and surgery was deemed necessary as a first treatment choice in one case. Six patients (27%) had an episode of relapse after non-operative management or chest drain placement. Following surgery, a relapse occurred in 2 of the 6 patients. Chest drain insertion was associated with a longer LOS than observation alone (6.36 vs. 2.4 days), and surgery resulted in a longer LOS than other types of treatment (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

According to our experience, small PSP or clinically stable larger PSP can be treated conservatively with observation alone. Operative management should be taken into consideration in children with large symptomatic PSP, persistent air leak, and/or relapse after chest drain insertion.

Early Surgery for Spontaneous Pneumothorax Associated With Reduced Recurrence, Resource Utilization

BACKGROUND

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) occurs in adolescent patients and frequently recurs. Reliable predictors of recurrence may identify candidates for early VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). We hypothesize that demographic and clinical factors are associated with recurrence, and that earlier surgery is associated with decreased recurrence and resource utilization.

METHODS

Patients between ages 5 and 21 treated for PSP at a single center from January 1, 2008 to June 30th, 2019 were identified. Presenting demographics, clinical management, and outcomes were analyzed, with focus on the first admission for PSP. "Early VATS" was defined as VATS during the first admission, and "late VATS" as VATS at any point after the first admission for a given side.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients met inclusion criteria, with a total of 82 pneumothoraces. Following initial encounter, 48.7% had ipsilateral recurrence. Early VATS was associated with less recurrence (P = 0.002). No other predictive factors were associated with ipsilateral recurrence. Early VATS was associated with reduced overall recurrence (P < 0.001), admissions (P < 0.001), cumulative chest x-rays (P = 0.043), and cumulative hospital length of stay (P = 0.022) compared to late VATS.

CONCLUSIONS

While predictors of recurrence are not apparent at initial admission, early VATS is associated with decreased recurrence and resource utilization.

Optimal treatment of pneumothorax in adolescents with Marfan syndrome

PURPOSE

Pneumothorax often develops in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS). Here, we examined the effects of conservative and surgical pneumothorax treatments in children with MFS.

METHODS

In this study, 23 patients, less than 20 years old, diagnosed with both MFS and pneumothorax between 1999 and 2019 were included. All data were collected retrospectively from patients' medical records.

RESULTS

In total, 18 of 23 patients (78%) had relapsed pneumothorax either on the ipsilateral or contralateral side. Among these 18 patients, 6 (26%) patients had multiple relapses. Conservative and surgical treatments of pneumothorax were attempted in 33 and 29 lungs, respectively. The conservative treatment was attempted as a definitive therapy in 21 lungs. Twelve conservative treatments (57%) failed, which required surgical intervention. In 9 lungs (43%) with successful conservative treatment, 6 (67%) had ipsilateral relapses. In contrast to the above findings, only 4 (13%) ipsilateral relapses were observed in 29 surgical treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed a low response and high relapse rate when MFS adolescents who diagnosed pneumothorax were subjected to the conservative treatment modality. Thus, we recommend surgical intervention as the first line of therapy to treat pneumothorax in adolescents diagnosed with MFS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Ⅲ (Treatment Study).

Risk factors for recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax: A population level analysis

BACKGROUND

We sought to determine the rate and risk factors of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax in a diverse population.

METHODS

Cohort study using the California Public Discharge Data file (1995-2010). We identified patients with first-time spontaneous pneumothorax. The primary outcome was recurrent pneumothorax. Associations with clinical, patient, and hospital characteristics were assessed using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among 14,609 patients with a first-time episode of spontaneous pneumothorax, 26.2% developed a recurrence. Risk factors included age <35 (Hazard Ratio [HR] 1.24 95%-Confidence Interval [CI] 1.14-1.36), Asian race (HR 1.24, CI 1.13-1.37), and tube thoracostomy (HR 1.2, CI 1.15-1.31). Mechancial pleurodesis (HR 0.37 CI 0.31-0.45) was superior to chemical pleurodesis (HR 0.71 CI 0.58-0.86) in reducing recurrence risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of recurrent pneumothorax is greatest in patients age <35, Asians, and those requiring a tube thoracostomy. The risks of operative intervention should be balanced against patient risk for recurrence.

Recommendation for management of patients with their first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax, using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or conservative treatment

International guidelines do not recommend surgery for the first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP), except in cases of persistent air leak, hemopneumothorax, bilateral pneumothorax, or occupations at risk. However, these recommendations have been challenged because of a significant reduction in the recurrence rate in emerging studies. We evaluated the rationale of recommendations by systematically reviewing RCTs and observational studies by using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) system. We searched articles in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases up to August 15, 2020. The primary outcomes were the recurrence rate and complication rate. The secondary outcomes were hospital stay and drainage duration. Nine eligible studies with 1121 patients were retrieved and analyzed. The recurrence rate was lower in the VATS than in conservative treatment with moderate evidence (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.19, P < 0.001, I² = 0%). We did not find significant differences in complication rate (Peto OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.33 to 4.12, P = 0.80), hospital stay duration (MD − 0.48 days, 95% CI − 2.84 to 1.87, P = 0.69, very low evidence), and in drainage duration (MD − 3.99 days, 95% CI − 9.06 to 1.08, P = 0.12, very low evidence) between the two groups. Our results would suggest VATS treatment as a weak recommendation for patients with the first episode of PSP, based on our systematic review of the current evidence by using the GRADE system, indicating that different treatments will be appropriate for different patients and that patients’ values and preferences should be incorporated through shared decision making.

Trial REGISTRY: PROSPERO; No.: CRD42020162267.

High-Resolution CT Following Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Adolescents: Useful Tool or Wasted Radiation?

Background The current trend in management of first-time primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in children is to obtain a high-resolution chest computerized tomography (HRCT) scan to look for bleb/bullae disease or other forms of structural lung disease. We aimed to evaluate the significance of HRCT findings in relation to initial management strategies, and we hypothesized that these findings do not guide management.  Methods We evaluated patients with first-time PSP in a single-institution, retrospective, longitudinal study. Data were obtained through direct chart review. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients who underwent surgical intervention after HRCT. Results We identified 10 children from 10 to 17 years old from January 2013 to November 2019 who met criteria for the study. Seven out of 10 patients (70%) had HRCT after the first-time PSP during the same hospital stay. Blebs/bullae were discovered in five out of seven (71%) of those patients. Two of those five patients had subsequent surgical intervention (40%) before a recurrence. Of the three patients with blebs/bullae identified on HRCT treated without initial surgery, two had a recurrence of PSP and subsequently underwent VATS with blebectomy and pleurodesis. Among the patients without initial HRCT, there were no recurrent cases of PSP noted. Conclusions Our study suggests there is value in obtaining HRCT after the first time PSP, as these results can be used to guide management strategies. Further studies in pediatric PSP are needed to validate the sensitivity of HRCT in bleb detection, the predictive value of bleb disease and recurrence, and the benefits and risks of early surgical intervention.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on juvenile primary spontaneous pneumothorax: Conservative or surgical approach first?

Background

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) prevalence is typically higher in juvenile patients than in adults. We aimed to evaluate the optimal treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax and its efficacy and safety in juveniles.

Materials and methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for eligible studies published from database inception to October 10, 2020, and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The primary and secondary outcomes were recurrence rate and hospital stay length, respectively. Odds ratios (OR) and mean differences were used for quantitatively analyzing binary and continuous outcomes, respectively. In total, nine retrospective studies with 1,452 juvenile patients (aged <21) were included for the quantitative analysis. The surgical approach led to a lower recurrence rate than did conservative approaches (OR: 1.95, 95% confidence interval: 1.15–3.32). Moreover, the recurrence rate was low in patients who underwent conservative treatment first and received surgery later.

Conclusions

Surgical approach for first-line management might have a greater effect on recurrence prevention than do conservative approaches. An upfront surgery might be an optimal choice for juvenile primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax in children: A single institutional experience

BACKGROUND

The treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) remains controversial. We aimed to examine the role of chest computed tomography (CT), the advantages of pigtail catheter versus chest tube regarding duration of drainage or hospitalization period, and the impact of small PSP and surgical treatment on recurrence rate.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 109 children with PSP (20 years' period). Patients with recurrent and those with non-recurrent PSP were compared.

RESULTS

We recorded 183 episodes of PSP (45% recurrences), 89 patients (97%) were male, and the median age at presentation was 16 years. There were no significant differences between recurrence and non-recurrence PSP regarding age, gender, medical background, presentation symptoms, type of chest drain, median hospitalization length and median follow-up period. Recurrences were less frequent among patients who presented with small PSP and were treated conservatively (P = 0.029). PSP was almost always unilateral and the recurrence was observed ipsilateral in almost 80% of the cases. CT was more frequently used and blebs/bullae were more frequently found among patients with recurrent PSP. Pigtail use had no advantage in reducing hospitalization period and surgical procedures prevented recurrences.

CONCLUSION

The size of pneumothorax at presentation helps to predict recurrences. There are no differences regarding duration of drainage or hospitalization period in the use of pigtail compared to chest tube. CT helps evaluate findings in the lungs in recurrent cases of PSP and surgery prevents recurrences effectively.

Improving care through standardized treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax

PURPOSE

The objective of this quality improvement (QI) initiative was to implement a standardized clinical treatment protocol for patients presenting with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in order to decrease hospital length of stay (LOS), diagnostic radiation exposure, and related cost.

METHODS

Baseline data from patients admitted with PSP from January 1, 2016 to July 31, 2018 were compared to data from patients managed using a newly developed evidence-based treatment pathway from August 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019. Standard QI methodology was used to track results.

RESULTS

Fifty-six episodes of PSP were observed during the baseline period and 40 episodes of PSP following initiation of the PSP protocol. The average LOS decreased from 4.5 days to 2.9 days. Patients underwent an average of 8.8 X-rays per admission preintervention versus 5.9 postintervention. The rate of CT scans decreased from 45% to 15% (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference in the rates of 30-day recurrence between the preintervention (13%) and postintervention (10%) groups (p = 0.7). Average admission costs per patient decreased by $1322 after adoption of the pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Adoption of a standardized treatment protocol for PSP led to a reduction in LOS, diagnostic imaging utilization, and cost without increasing clinical recurrence.

TYPE OF STUDY

Quality improvement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Mechanical versus Chemical Pleurodesis after Bullectomy for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

 Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) and its high recurrence rate pose a therapeutic challenge to both patients and their managing surgeons. Mechanical or chemical pleurodesis can be used to prevent recurrence, but the optimal treatment often remains a matter of debate. This meta-analysis aims to compare the outcomes between mechanical and chemical pleurodesis following bullectomy for PSP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Studies published up to 2019 were searched from Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational cohort studies (OCSs) comparing outcomes between mechanical and chemical pleurodesis for PSP was performed.

RESULTS

 Seven studies (one RCT and six OCSs) were included, comprising 1,032 cases of mechanical (799 abrasions, 202 pleurectomies, and 31 unspecified abrasions/pleurectomies/both), and 901 cases of chemical (643 talc, 69 minocycline, and 189 unspecified talc/kaolin) pleurodesis. The recurrence rate of pneumothorax after chemical pleurodesis (1.2%) was significantly lower than mechanical pleurodesis (4.0%) (pooled odds ratio [OR] = 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.59-5.67; p = 0.0007; I ² = 19%). Hospital stay was also slightly shorter in the chemical pleurodesis group (pooled mean difference [MD] = 0.42 days; 95% CI = 0.12-0.72; p = 0.005; I ² = 0%). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complications (pooled OR = 1.18; 95%CI = 0.40-3.48; p = 0.76; I ² = 71%) and operative time (pooled MD = 3.50; 95%CI = -7.28 to 14.28; p = 0.52; I ² = 99%) between these two groups.

CONCLUSION

 Chemical pleurodesis is superior to mechanical pleurodesis following bullectomy for PSP in reducing hospital stay and recurrence rate. However, more RCTs with longer follow-up are necessary to demonstrate the benefit of chemical pleurodesis for PSP.

Pediatric Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Does Initial Treatment Affect Outcomes?

BACKGROUND

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) commonly occurs in adolescents, most commonly in males, and has recurrence rates between 20% and 60%. Surgical therapy has long been debated regarding its role in preventing recurrence, with no current consensus on guidelines for care. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of treatment type on recurrence rates in pediatric PSP.

METHODS

This is a single-institution, institutional review board-approved retrospective analysis of patients aged 1 to 18 diagnosed with their first occurrence of PSP between 2009 and 2017. Patient demographics, hospital course, and outcomes over a 2-y period were collected. Patients were divided into nonoperative (oxygen therapy only) management, chest tube placement, and surgical management. The primary outcome was the recurrence rate.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients diagnosed with PSP met inclusive criteria. The mean age was 15.5, and 48 (75%) of patients were men. Twenty-one patients (33%) underwent nonoperative treatment, 24 patients (37.5%) underwent operative treatment with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or open thoracotomy, and 19 patients (30%) underwent chest tube or pigtail placement alone. Fifteen patients (23.4%) experienced a recurrence within 2 y: 6 patients (29%) from the nonoperative treatment group, 4 (21%) who were treated with the chest tube only, and 5 (21%) who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or open thoracotomy. No statistically significant difference in recurrence rates was found between treatment groups. Pneumothorax size was found to differ between treatment type; larger pneumothoraces were more likely to undergo surgical intervention (P = 0.0003). Smaller pneumothoraces were associated with higher rates of recurrence on multivariate logistic regression analysis (P = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence of PSP in adolescents was found to be 23.4% after 2-y follow-up. Smaller-sized pneumothoraces were associated with higher rates of recurrence, but treatment type did not significantly affect recurrence rates.

Delayed hypoxia during pediatric posterior spinal fusion secondary to intraoperative pneumothorax: Case report

Rarely will a pneumothorax caused intraoperatively not manifest signs such as hypoxia, tachypnea, and tachycardia until later. If this occurs, diagnosis and treatment with needle decompression or chest tube must happen quickly for patient safety.

Metachronous recurrent pediatric primary spontaneous pneumothorax: A case presentation and literature review

•

Pediatric spontaneous pneumothorax is relatively a rare condition.

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A metachronous pneumothorax whether ipsilateral or contralateral side is even rarer.

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Current literature is deficient in a solid consensus for management of this type of pneumothorax.

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Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is an excellent therapeutic tool for pediatric pneumothorax.

Introduction

Pediatric primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is defined as the presence of air in the pleural cavity without underlying lung disease or thoracic trauma. Metachronous recurrence of PSP whether ipsilateral or contralateral is rare. Apical bullae and sub-pleural blebs are found in the majority of PSP patients. As in adults, surgery is indicated in cases with prolonged air leak. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is increasingly performed in children and has been reported to be both safe and effective.

Presentation of the case

An 11-years-old girl had bilateral attacks of PSP, the second attack happened one after the first one and this later was associated with her menarche. Chest CT scan detected bilateral apical blebs.

Discussion

Contralateral recurrence in pediatric PSP is a low probability. The decision for surgery in the pediatric age group is a matter of controversy as there are no strict pediatric guidelines for management of PSP. Currently, VATS is superior to open surgery. Pediatric Catamenial pneumothorax is not well described in the literature.

Conclusions

Contralateral recurrence of PSP in children is rarer. No guidelines exist for the management of these cases. The association of pediatric PSP with menarche is not well described in the current literature.

Management of the Pediatric Spontaneous Pneumothorax: The Role of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Purpose: Treatment of pneumothorax involves conservative treatment and surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the best approach of initial treatment and long-term outcomes of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for primary spontaneous pneumothorax in pediatric patients. Patients and Methods: From January 2009 until June 2019, 36 patients younger than the age of 18 who were treated for spontaneous pneumothorax were included into retrospective study. Patients were divided into 2 groups, non-VATS and VATS, depending on the way they were treated. The groups were compared regarding demographic and clinical data and outcomes of treatment (the length of hospitalization, the frequency of postoperative complications, and reoperations). Results: Out of 36 patients, there were 24 boys and 12 girls with median age of 16.5 years. Median duration of hospitalization was 8 days. Eight patients were treated by observation and 28 by chest tube insertion. In 14 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax, VATS was performed [indications were persistent air leak in 8 (57%) and recurrent pneumothorax in 6 (43%) children]. Patients who underwent surgery had significantly higher length of hospitalization (P < .001) and lower rate of recurrences (P = .003) than those who did not. In 12 (86%) patients, blebs were found intraoperative, and in all of them, pleurodesis was performed. Duration of chest tube insertion was significantly longer in patients who experienced recurrent pneumothorax (P < .001). Conclusions: VATS is successful, efficient, and safe method of treatment for spontaneous pneumothorax, due to its significantly lower rate of recurrence in comparison with chest tube insertion.

The Evolution of Surgical Management for Children and Young Adults With Spontaneous Pneumothorax

BACKGROUND

Few studies have analyzed pediatric spontaneous pneumothorax (SPTX) nationally. We sought to better define this patient population and explore the evolution of surgical management.

METHODS

Patients (10-20 y old) with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis of SPTX were identified within the Kids' Inpatient Database for the years 2006, 2009, and 2012. Diagnoses and procedures were analyzed by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. National estimates were obtained using case weighting.

RESULTS

There were 11,792 pediatric SPTX hospitalizations, and patients were predominantly male (84.0%), non-Hispanic white (69.0%), with a mean age of 17.2 y (95% confidence interval, 17.2-17.3). Overall, 52.5% underwent tube thoracostomy as the primary intervention, and more than one-third had a major surgical procedure (34.9%). From 2006 to 2012, there was an increase in bleb excisions from 81.1% to 86.9% and an increase in mechanical pleurodesis from 64.2% to 69.0%. There was a significant change from a predominantly open thoracotomy approach in 2006 (76.1%) to a video-assisted thoracoscopic approach in 2012 (89.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric admission for SPTX results in tube thoracostomy in more than half of the cases and surgery in approximately one-third of the cases. Surgical intervention has changed to a more minimally invasive approach during the last decade, and counseling to patients and their families should reflect these updated management strategies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Changing the Paradigm for Management of Pediatric Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A Simple Aspiration Test Predicts Need for Operation

PURPOSE

Chest tube (CT) management for pediatric primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is associated with long hospital stays and high recurrence rates. To streamline management, we explored simple aspiration as a test to predict need for surgery.

METHODS

A multi-institution, prospective pilot study of patients with first presentation for PSP at 9 children's hospitals was performed. Aspiration was performed through a pigtail catheter, followed by 6 h observation with CT clamped. If pneumothorax recurred during observation, the aspiration test failed and subsequent management was per surgeon discretion.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were managed with simple aspiration. Aspiration was successful in 16 of 33 (48%), while 17 (52%) failed the aspiration test and required hospitalization. Twelve who failed aspiration underwent CT management, of which 10 (83%) failed CT management owing to either persistent air leak requiring VATS or subsequent PSP recurrence. Recurrence rate was significantly greater in the group that failed aspiration compared to the group that passed aspiration [10/12 (83%) vs 7/16 (44%), respectively, P=0.028].

CONCLUSION

Simple aspiration test upon presentation with PSP predicts chest tube failure with 83% positive predictive value. We recommend changing the PSP management algorithm to include an initial simple aspiration test, and if that fails, proceed directly to VATS.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prospective pilot study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Management and recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax in children

Objective

No guideline clearly prescribes an approach to management of spontaneous pneumothorax in children. The objectives of this study were to evaluate practice variation in the management of spontaneous pneumothorax in children and its probability of recurrence.

Methods

This study was a retrospective chart review followed by a phone follow-up that included all children who had visited a tertiary care paediatric hospital for a first episode of spontaneous pneumothorax between 2008 and 2017. The primary outcomes were the management of pneumothorax (observation, oxygen, needle aspiration, intercostal chest tube, surgery) and the probability of recurrence. All charts were evaluated by a rater using a standardized report form and 10% of the charts were evaluated in duplicate. All children/families were contacted by phone to assess recurrence. The primary analyses were the proportions of each treatment modalities and recurrence, respectively.

Results

During the study period, 76 children were deemed eligible for the study. Among them, 59 had a primary spontaneous pneumothorax while 17 were secondary. The most common first therapeutic approaches were chest tube insertion (31), oxygen alone (27), and observation (14). A total of 54 patients were available for follow-up among whom a recurrence was observed in 28 (37% of the total cohort or 52% of available children).

Conclusion

Chest tube insertion was the first line of treatment in about 40% of children with a first spontaneous pneumothorax. In this population, the recurrence probability is established between 37 and 52% and the majority occurs in the following months.

Current Practice in the Management of Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Children

INTRODUCTION

There is a lack of pediatric-specific guidelines for the workup and management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in children. The aim of this study was to describe current practices among North American pediatric surgeons.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online survey comprising 18 questions was sent out through the American Pediatric Surgical Association Outcomes and Clinical Trials Committee to all members. Bivariate analysis was performed using Chi-square analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 287 surveys were completed (33% response rate). For a first episode of PSP, 57% of surgeons opt for chest tube drainage, 4% for upfront video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), 3% for needle aspiration, and 29% for only oxygen administration. Eighty-one percent of surgeons report that the size of the pneumothorax influences management. However, neither practice setting (P = .87) nor years in practice (P = .11) correlated with initial management strategy. For patients with a persistent air leak after chest tube placement, there is wide variation in duration of observation before performing VATS, with 40% operating after 3 days, but 21% waiting at least 5 days. The use of chest computed tomography (CT) is also highly variable. Eighty-two percent of respondents perform surgery only after the second episode of PSP. Most perform a stapled apical blebectomy and mechanical pleurodesis for both initial and recurrent PSP.

CONCLUSION

There is significant variation among pediatric surgeons in the management of spontaneous pneumothorax, including the use of CT, timing of operation, and duration of observation for air leak before performing surgery. Prospective data are needed to better inform guidelines and standardize practice.

Initial primary spontaneous pneumothorax in children and adolescents: Operate or wait?

PURPOSE

The management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in the pediatric population is not standardized. The purpose of this study was to understand the management options for a first episode of PSP in children and adolescents, and their associated outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted for patients 5-20 years old with a diagnosis of PSP at a large academic children's hospital between 2002 and 2014. Patient data were reviewed for each case. Management and outcomes were analyzed and compared between groups.

RESULTS

Eighty patients met all inclusion criteria. Overall recurrence rate was 40% with 86% occurring within 12 months of the initial PSP. Patients with recurrent PSP were significantly taller. Size of pneumothorax based on initial chest x-ray was comparable between recurrent and nonrecurrent groups. A negative CT scan for subpleural blebs did not predict recurrence. Patients undergoing thoracoscopic blebectomy and mechanical pleurodesis at initial presentation had significantly lower recurrence rate compared to patients who underwent nonoperative management (operative group 14%, nonoperative group 45%; p=0.0373).

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence following nonoperative management was high with the majority occurring within a year and requiring readmission. These findings support offering surgery to families as a potential initial management option.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3b/4 - retrospective series or case control study, single institution, very limited population.

Optimal timing of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax in children

PURPOSE

There is no consensus in the pediatric surgical community about when to recommend video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). We aimed to identify factors that predict the likelihood of requiring VATS, and to compare recurrence rates and healthcare utilization among different management approaches to PSP.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review and a telephone survey were conducted on all patients 12-21years who were diagnosed with PSP from 2007 to 2015. Data were extracted on patient demographics, initial management, hospital length of stay (LOS), and subsequent admissions, procedures, and recurrences.

RESULTS

A total of 46 patients were included with a mean age of 16.1years (+/- 1.2). Most patients were male (41, 89%) and white (16, 44%). Initial management comprised chest tube drainage alone in 28 (61%), no intervention in 8 (17%), and VATS in 10 (22%). Total LOS was 6days (IQR 4-7) and was longer in patients who underwent VATS (p<0.001). Recurrence occurred in 17 patients (37%). However, recurrence and healthcare utilization were not significantly associated with initial management approach. Among those who had initial chest tube drainage, 14 (50%) underwent VATS on that admission, and 8 (28%) had subsequent surgery. Significant predictors of ultimately requiring VATS were presence of an air leak and partial lung expansion.

CONCLUSION

Most patients with PSP currently undergo chest tube placement as initial management, although most eventually require VATS. Presence of an air leak and partial lung expansion on chest radiograph within the first 48h of management should prompt earlier surgical intervention.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Thoracoscopic Management of Blebs: Resection With/Out Primary Pleurodesis

OBJECTIVES

To review the literature for justification of thoracoscopic management of blebs in children.

METHODS

PubMed database was reviewed for articles in English, Portuguese and Spanish using the key words "thoracoscopy", "bleb" and "child". Data was collected for age, gender, type of surgery performed, operating time, conversions, complications, recurrences, follow-up and mortality.

RESULTS

Eleven studies with total 266 patients were included (27 bilateral cases; n = 293 surgeries). Median age was 15.7 y (range 11-18 y), 225 were male (87.9%) and 31 were female (12.1%) patients. Endo GIA™ was used in 10 cases, Endoloop® in 11 surgeries, unspecified stapler devices in 150 procedures and, in 122 surgeries, instruments were not mentioned. Pleurodesis was performed in 213 (72.7%) cases. There were 5 (1.7%) conversions (adhesions n = 3, bleeding n = 1, camera failure n = 1). Complications were documented in 8 (2.7%): pneumothorax after chest tube removal 4 (drain reinsertion n = 3, reoperation n = 1); prolonged air leak 3, all submitted to che pleurodesis; bleeding requiring reoperation 1. Recurrence occurred in 25 (8.5%): 10 re-operation, 7 conservative management, 2 chemical pleurodesis, 2 chest tube reinsertions and in 4 the management was not specified. The median follow-up was 46.1 mo (range 3 mo-11 y). There were no lethal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although data is scarce on specific instruments used, pleurodesis is performed in 70% of cases. Irrespective of this, thoracoscopic resection of blebs can be safely offered as it has a low complication and conversion rates and no mortality.

The use of perioperative ketorolac in the surgical treatment of pediatric spontaneous pneumothorax

BACKGROUND

We sought to determine the effect of ketorolac on pediatric primary spontaneous pneumothorax recurrence after operation.

METHODS

The Pediatric Health Information System database was queried for patients ages 10-16years discharged in the years 2004-2014 with pneumothorax or pleural bleb and a related operative procedure. Deaths and secondary pneumothorax were excluded. Variables included demographics, chronic disease, intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and lung resection or plication. The primary variable was any ketorolac administration between post-operative day 0 and 5. Outcomes included reintervention within 1year, readmission, post-operative length of stay (LOS), and cost. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Of 1678 records that met inclusion criteria, 395 (23%) were subsequently excluded, leaving 1283 patients for analysis. Most patients had a lung resection recorded (78%) and the majority were administered ketorolac (57%); few required reintervention (20%) or readmission (18%). Mean postoperative LOS was 5.2±3.8days and mean cost was $17,649±$10,599. On bivariate analysis, ketorolac administration did not correlate with any measured outcome. On both bivariate and multivariate analysis, no variable was predictive of reintervention, and only lung resection correlated with readmission (adjusted odds ratio 0.63 [95% C.I. 0.45-0.90]).

CONCLUSION

Post-operative ketorolac administration was not associated with an increased likelihood of reintervention or readmission within 1year of operative treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax, suggesting that it may be used safely as part of a post-operative pain control regimen. Effects on postoperative length of stay and cost, however, were not demonstrated.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE AND TYPE OF STUDY

Level III treatment study.

Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Children: National Management Strategies and Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

The timing of surgical intervention in the management of spontaneous pneumothorax remains controversial. The aim of this multicenter review was to compare management strategies and outcomes in children with spontaneous pneumothorax.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients 10-19 years old in the Pediatric Health Information System admitted for spontaneous pneumothorax from 2010 to 2014. Three treatment groups were identified based on initial hospital management-no intervention, initial chest tube placement, and operation; and outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 1040 patients were included. The majority were male (82.1%) and White (71.1%). The mean age at first encounter was 15.7 ± 1.7 years. Initial treatment included no intervention in 336 (32.3%), chest tube in 497 (47.8%), and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in 207 (19.9%). Ultimately, 417 (40.1%) patients underwent VATS during the initial admission and 559 (53.8%) during the initial admission or a subsequent encounter. Aggregate length of stay (LOS) was highest for those treated initially with chest tube alone (P < .001). For patients managed initially with chest tube, the probability of requiring surgery increased with each day of hospitalization. Initial operation was associated with a decreased risk of readmission (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50-0.90). Estimated adjusted hospital costs, aggregated across all encounters, were highest for chest tube alone (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Early VATS is associated with decreased hospital LOS, charges, and readmissions. For those managed initially with chest tube alone, the likelihood of requiring operation increases with each day hospitalized, and early conversion to operative management should be considered in patients with persistent pneumothorax or air leak.

Surgical Intervention for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Pediatric Population: When and Why?

INTRODUCTION

Spontaneous pneumothorax in pediatric patients is relatively uncommon. The management strategy varies in different centers due to dearth of evidence-based pediatric guidelines. In this study, we reviewed our experience of thoracoscopic management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in children and identified risk factors associated with postoperative air leakage and recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients who had PSP and underwent surgical management in our institution between April 2008 and March 2015. Demographic data, radiological findings, interventions, and surgical outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 92 patients with 110 thoracoscopic surgery for PSP were identified. The indications for surgery were failed nonoperative management with persistent air leakage in 32.7%, recurrent ipsilateral pneumothorax in 36.4%, first contralateral pneumothorax in 14.5%, bilateral pneumothorax in 10%, and significant hemopneumothorax in 5.5%. Bulla was identified in 101 thoracoscopy (91.8%) with stapled bullectomy performed. 14.5% patients had persistent postoperative air leakage and treated with reinsertion of thoracostomy tube and chemical pleurodesis. 17.3% patients had postoperative recurrence occurred at mean time of 11 months. Operation within 7 days of symptoms onset was associated with less postoperative air leakage (P = .04). Bilateral pneumothorax and those with abnormal radiographic features had significantly more postoperative air leakage (P = .002, P < .01 respectively) and recurrence (P < .01, P = .007).

CONCLUSION

Early thoracoscopic mechanical pleurodesis and stapled bullectomy after thoracostomy tube insertion could be offered as a primary option for management of large PSP in pediatric population, since most of these patients had bulla identified as the culprit of the disease.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in older children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a relatively rare condition in the pediatric population lacking of specific recommendations regarding the management. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has gained widespread consensus during the last 10 years. We retrospectively reviewed our experience of VATS in the treatment of pediatric patients affected by PSP in terms of timing of surgery, operative technique, and postoperative outcome.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2014, 58 pediatric patients were treated for PSP. Treatment consisted in pulmonary apicectomy in all patients and pleurodesis. Patients received either apical pleurectomy and mechanical pleurodesis or mechanical pleurodesis alone.

RESULTS

Mean age was 16.6 ± 1.6 years (range 10-18) with a male/female ratio of 5:1. Seventeen patients underwent surgery after the first episode of PSP. Apical pleurectomy and mechanical pleurodesis was performed in 30 patients while others received mechanical pleurodesis alone. Conversion to open surgery was needed in four procedures (6.9%). Postoperative complications occurred in 1.7% of cases. Sixteen patients received more than one procedure for contralateral pneumothorax (15 cases) and postoperative recurrence (1 case). The mean follow-up was 95 ± 63 months. Recurrence rate was 12.1%. Univariate analysis showed that recurrence was significantly correlated with younger age (P = 0.044) and postoperative chest tube (P = 0.027). Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that apical pleurectomy did not prevent recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

VATS is an effective procedure for PSP in pediatric patients. Apical pleurectomy does not seem to prevent recurrence. Due to the increased risk of recurrence of PSP in younger patients, indication to VATS after the first episode might be considered. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:713-716. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ketorolac does not reduce effectiveness of pleurodesis in pediatric patients with spontaneous pneumothorax

PURPOSE

Antiinflammatory medications are thought to reduce the effectiveness of pleurodesis performed for the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax. We reviewed our experience with children undergoing video-assisted thorascopic surgery (VATS) with pleurodesis for pneumothorax to determine if ketorolac administration influences patient outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent VATS pleurodesis for spontaneous pneumothorax from 2009 to 2013 at a pediatric hospital was performed. Length of stay, radiographic pneumothorax resolution prior to discharge, and ipsilateral recurrence rates were compared in patients who did and did not receive perioperative ketorolac.

RESULTS

Over a 50-month period, 51 patients underwent VATS with mechanical pleurodesis for spontaneous pneumothorax. The average age was 15.5years, and 76% were male. Ketorolac was administered to 26/51 patients. There were no differences in average length of stay (11.3 vs 10.9days, p=0.36), incidence of residual pneumothorax at discharge (22/41 vs 19/41, p=0.48), or ipsilateral recurrence (5/10 vs 5/10, p=1).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the intrinsic antiinflammatory properties of ketorolac, our data suggests that its use for patients undergoing pleurodesis for spontaneous pneumothorax does not detrimentally influence the outcomes of surgery. Therefore, we conclude that ketorolac can be used for pain control in this population. Large-scale studies are warranted to validate these findings.

Recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in young adults and children

OBJECTIVES

Although better nutritional support has improved the growth rates in children, the occurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax has also been increasing in children. The current study attempts to investigate the occurrence and recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax and the efficacy of surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax in young adults and children.

METHODS

A total of 840 patients were treated for pneumothorax at our hospital from January 2006 to December 2010. Exclusion criteria for this study were age >25 or secondary, traumatic or iatrogenic pneumothorax, and a total of 517 patients were included. Patients were classified into three groups according to age at the first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax: Group A: ≤16 years; Group B: 17-18 years and Group C: ≥19 years.

RESULTS

The study group was composed of 470 male and 47 female patients. There were 234 right-sided, 279 left-sided and 4 bilateral primary spontaneous pneumothoraces. Wedge resection by video-assisted thoracic surgery was performed in 285 patients, while 232 were managed by observation or closed thoracostomy. In the wedge resection group, 51 patients experienced recurrence. The recurrence rates after wedge resection were 27.9% in Group A, 16.5% in Group B and 13.2% in Group C (P = 0.038). The recurrence rates after observation or closed thoracostomy were 45.7% in Group A, 51.9% in Group B and 47.7% in Group C (P = 0.764).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, postoperative recurrence rates were higher than those in the literature. Intense and long-term follow-up was probably one reason for the relatively high recurrence rate. The recurrence rate after wedge resection in patients aged ≤16 years was higher than that in older patients. There was no difference between the recurrence rates after observation or closed thoracostomy, regardless of age. These results suggest that wedge resection might be delayed in children.