Video-assisted thoracoscopic management of recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax after prior talc pleurodesis: a feasible, safe and efficient treatment option

SPLF/SMFU/SRLF/SFAR/SFCTCV Guidelines for the management of patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax

INTRODUCTION

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is the presence of air in the pleural space, occurring in the absence of trauma and known lung disease. Standardized expert guidelines on PSP are needed due to the variety of diagnostic methods, therapeutic strategies and medical and surgical disciplines involved in its management.

METHODS

Literature review, analysis of the literature according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology; proposals for guidelines rated by experts, patients and organizers to reach a consensus. Only expert opinions with strong agreement were selected.

RESULTS

A large PSP is defined as presence of a visible rim along the entire axillary line between the lung margin and the chest wall and ≥ 2 cm at the hilum level on frontal chest X-ray. The therapeutic strategy depends on the clinical presentation: emergency needle aspiration for tension PSP; in the absence of signs of severity: conservative management (small PSP), needle aspiration or chest tube drainage (large PSP). Outpatient treatment is possible if a dedicated outpatient care system is previously organized. Indications, surgical procedures and perioperative analgesia are detailed. Associated measures, including smoking cessation, are described.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines are a step towards PSP treatment and follow-up strategy optimization in France.

SPLF/SMFU/SRLF/SFAR/SFCTCV Guidelines for the management of patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax: Endorsed by the French Speaking Society of Respiratory Diseases (SPLF), the French Society of Emergency Medicine (SFMU), the French Intensive Care Society (SRLF), the French Society of Anesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine (SFAR) and the French Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (SFCTCV)

INTRODUCTION

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is the presence of air in the pleural space, occurring in the absence of trauma and known lung disease. Standardized expert guidelines on PSP are needed due to the variety of diagnostic methods, therapeutic strategies and medical and surgical disciplines involved in its management.

METHODS

Literature review, analysis of literature according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology; proposals for guidelines rated by experts, patients, and organizers to reach a consensus. Only expert opinions with strong agreement were selected.

RESULTS

A large PSP is defined as presence of a visible rim along the entire axillary line between the lung margin and the chest wall and ≥2 cm at the hilum level on frontal chest x-ray. The therapeutic strategy depends on the clinical presentation: emergency needle aspiration for tension PSP; in the absence of signs of severity: conservative management (small PSP), needle aspiration or chest tube drainage (large PSP). Outpatient treatment is possible if a dedicated outpatient care system is previously organized. Indications, surgical procedures and perioperative analgesia are detailed. Associated measures, including smoking cessation, are described.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines are a step towards PSP treatment and follow-up strategy optimization in France.

Recommandations formalisées d’experts pour la prise en charge des pneumothorax spontanés primaires

Introduction : Le pneumothorax spontané primaire (PSP) est un épanchement gazeux dans la cavité pleurale, survenant hors traumatisme et pathologie respiratoire connue. Des recommandations formalisées d'experts sur le sujet sont justifiées par les pluralités de moyens diagnostiques, stratégies thérapeutiques et disciplines médicochirurgicales intervenant dans leur prise en charge.

Méthodes : Revue bibliographique, analyse de la littérature selon méthodologie GRADE (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation) ; propositions de recommandations cotées par experts, patients et organisateurs pour obtenir un consensus. Seuls les avis d'experts avec accord fort ont été retenus.

Résultats : Un décollement sur toute la hauteur de la ligne axillaire et supérieur ou égal à 2 cm au niveau du hile à la radiographie thoracique de face définit la grande abondance. La stratégie thérapeutique dépend de la présentation clinique : exsufflation en urgence pour PSP suffocant ; en l'absence de signe de gravité : prise en charge conservatrice (faible abondance), exsufflation ou drainage (grande abondance). Le traitement ambulatoire est possible si organisation en amont de la filière. Les indications, procédures chirurgicales et l'analgésie périopératoire sont détaillées. Les mesures associées, notamment le sevrage tabagique, sont décrites.

Conclusion : Ces recommandations sont une étape de l'optimisation des stratégies de traitement et de suivi des PSP en France.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery treating spontaneous pneumothorax

Background

With the adoption of high-tech thoracoscopic surgical instruments, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has gradually replaced traditional thoracotomy and is used in the clinical treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax.

Methods

The composite logic retrieval and Boolean logic retrieval methods were adopted for this meta-analysis. Databases such as PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and Google Scholar were searched using the combination of search terms “Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery”, “spontaneous pneumothorax”, and “thoracotomy”. Literatures which used video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax as the experimental group were screened. The software RevMan 5.3 provided by the Cochrane system was employed for meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 12 studies were included. After the meta-analysis, heterogeneity testing of the operation time in 8 studies showed that Tau² =29.99, Chi² =16.99, degrees of freedom (df) =7, I²=59%>50%, and the operation time of participants in the experimental group was considerably inferior to that of control group. The mean difference (MD) was −31.02, 95% confidence interval (95% CI: −36.07 to −25.97), Z=12.03, P<0.0001. The heterogeneity test of the length of hospital stay in 9 studies showed that Tau² =4.41, Chi² =122.58, df =8, I²=59%>50%, P<0.01, and the length of hospital stay of participants in the experimental group was remarkably shorter than that of the control group. The MD was −7.29, 95% CI: (−8.76 to −5.82), Z=9.74, and P<0.01. The heterogeneity test of the bleeding volume in 6 studies showed that Tau² =191.74, Chi² =27.65, df =5, I²=82%>50%, P<0.01, and the bleeding volume of participants in the experimental group was remarkably lower in contrast to that of the control group. The MD was −65.48, 95% CI: (−77.84 to −53.13), Z=10.39, and P<0.01. The heterogeneity test of the chest tube removal time in 7 studies showed that Tau² =0.29, Chi² =28.27, df =6, I²=79%>50%, P<0.05, and the chest tube removal time of participants in the experimental group was substantially lower in contrast to that of the control group. The MD was −3.10, 95% CI: (−3.56 to −2.64), Z=13.30, P<0.01.

Discussion

This meta-analysis confirmed that VATS for spontaneous pneumothorax is better than other surgical methods.

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) Talc Pleurodesis Versus Pleurectomy for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A Large Single-Centre Study with No Conversion

BACKGROUND

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a relatively common clinical entity with high incidence in the young population. Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) bullectomy and chemical or mechanical pleurodesis are two primary modalities of treatment. There has been much debate on the ideal mode of pleurodesis, but the literature on surgical outcomes comparing VATS pleurectomy with talc pleurodesis has been inconclusive.

METHODS

We performed a single-centre 5-year observational retrospective study of 202 patients who underwent VATS bullectomy with talc pleurodesis or parietal pleurectomy.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the demographics, pre-operative and intra-operative characteristics in both groups. Recurrence of pneumothorax, chest tube duration and hospital stay were similar in both groups. However, talc pleurodesis had a shorter operative time compared to pleurectomy.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated comparable outcomes between talc pleurodesis and pleurectomy following VATS bullectomy for patients with PSP.

Results of repeated video-assisted thoracic surgery for recurrent pneumothorax after primary spontaneous pneumothorax

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify the causes of recurrent pneumothorax and to evaluate the results of repeated video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for recurrent pneumothorax after VATS wedge resection for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP).

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on 188 patients with recurrent PSP, of a population of 1414 patients who underwent VATS wedge resection for PSP. Reoperations were performed when an air leak persisted longer than 3 days after closed thoracostomy, when a visible bulla of greater than 1 cm on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was observed and when rerecurrence took place after other treatments. The HRCT findings before and after recurrence were compared to evaluate the type of the new bulla. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the additional procedure performed during the first operation; in Group I, a coverage procedure was performed, and in Group II, mechanical pleurodesis was performed after VATS wedge resection.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 27.7 months, 76 patients underwent repeated VATS for ipsilateral recurrent PSP after VATS. The indications for repeated VATS were the presence of a bulla on HRCT in 41 patients and a persistent air leak in 35 patients. Group I comprised 36 patients and Group II comprised 40 patients. The HRCT findings showed no bulla in 3 (4%) patients, were suspicious for a bulla in 11 (15%) patients, showed a bulla at the staple line in 26 (34%) patients and showed a new bulla in a location other than on the staple line in 36 (47%) patients. The frequency of new bullae was not different between the 2 groups, but Group I showed a lesser tendency for bullae to occur at the staple line than Group II. Dense fibrosis around the staple line was also found intraoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated VATS was a feasible method to treat recurrent PSP after VATS for PSP.

Intractable pneumothorax due to rupture of subpleural rheumatoid nodules: a case report

Background

In rare cases, rheumatoid pleural nodules can rupture into the pleural cavity to cause pneumothorax or empyema. We report successful surgical treatment of a patient with an intractable secondary pneumothorax due to rupture of a subpleural rheumatoid nodule into the pleural cavity.

Case presentation

A 75-year-old man with a medical history of rheumatoid arthritis, acute coronary syndrome, and diabetes was admitted to our hospital because of left chest pain and dyspnea. A chest X-ray and chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed a left pneumothorax and several small subpleural nodules with cavitation. Repeated pleurodesis via a chest tube failed to improve the pneumothorax, so we decided to perform thoracoscopic surgery. Air leakage was detected in the left upper lobe where the subpleural nodule was visible on chest CT. Resection of the lesion successfully resulted in resolution of the air leakage. The final pathological diagnosis of the subpleural nodule was a pulmonary rheumatoid nodule. The patient has had no evidence of recurrence of pneumothorax after surgery.

Conclusions

We obtained a final pathological diagnosis of a rheumatoid nodule that caused an intractable pneumothorax. Pneumothorax associated with rupture of rheumatoid nodules in the subpleural cavitary is difficult to treat with thoracoscopic surgery as a second-line treatment.

Optimal surgical technique in spontaneous pneumothorax: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Numerous thoracoscopic techniques have been used in the management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP), including wedge resection, pleurectomy, pleural abrasion, chemical pleurodesis, and staple line covering. The purpose of this systematic review was to compare outcomes for the most commonly reported techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search looking at pneumothorax recurrence rate, length of stay, and chest tube duration after surgery was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines using the PubMed database.

RESULTS

Fifty-one unique studies comprised of 6907 patients published between January 1988 and June 2015 were identified. Heterogeneity among effect sizes was significant for all outcomes. The lowest recurrence rates were observed in the wedge resection + chemical pleurodesis (1.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0%-2.7%) and the wedge resection + pleural abrasion + chemical pleurodesis (2.8%; 95% CI, 1.7%-4.7%) groups. The shortest chest tube duration and length of stay were observed in the wedge resection + staple line covering ± other group (2.1 d; 95% CI, 1.4-2.9 and 3.3 d; 95% CI, 2.6-4.0, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The variability in reported outcomes and the lack of published multicenter randomized controlled trials highlights a need for more robust investigations into the optimal surgical technique in the management of PSP. Based on the limited quality studies available, this systematic review favors wedge resection + chemical pleurodesis and wedge resection + pleural abrasion + chemical pleurodesis in terms of recurrence rate after surgery for PSP.

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a cohort study of VATS with talc poudrage

BACKGROUND

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is an increasingly common treatment for recurrent or persistent primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). Surgery usually involves diffuse treatment of the pleura and possible targeted therapy to areas of bullous disease. The purpose of this large cohort study was to examine incidence of recurrence after VATS and identify predictors of outcome.

METHODS

Patients undergoing VATS for PSP at a single centre between 2000 and 2012 were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent talc poudrage. Targeted surgical techniques were used based on presence of air leak and Vanderschueren's stage. Patients had clinical and radiological follow-up for at least 2 years (median 8.5 years).

RESULTS

1415 patients with PSP underwent VATS with talc poudrage. The most frequent indications were recurrent pneumothorax (92.2%) and persistent air leak (6.5%). The complication rate was 2.0% of which 1.7% was prolonged air leak. There was no mortality. Median length of stay was 5 days. Recurrent pneumothorax occurred in 26 patients (1.9%). At the time of surgery, 592 patients smoked (43%) and they had a significantly higher incidence of recurrence (24/575, 4.2%) than non-smokers (2/805, 0.2%), p<0.001. The incidence of recurrence in those undergoing bullae suturing (3.8%, n=260) was significant higher than those undergoing poudrage alone (0.3%, p=0.036).

CONCLUSION

The marked difference in recurrence between smokers and non-smokers suggests this as an important predictor of outcome. This study demonstrates a low incidence of recurrence and complications for patients with PSP undergoing VATS with talc poudrage. Talc poudrage requires prospective comparison with pleurectomy and mechanical abrasion.

[Troubleshooting Common Unexpected Situations during Thoracoscopic Anatomical Pulmonary Resection]

The history of modern thoracoscopic pulmonary surgery could date back to the 1990s, and the related surgical technique has been matured after 20 years' development. Meanwhile, large amount of clinical data has been collected. Minimally invasive thoracic surgery represented by the thoracoscopic approach has been universally accepted as the preferred choice for the surgical treatment of early-staged non-small cell lung cancer and pulmonary benign diseases, and for the diagnosis of pulmonary diseases. With the generalization of thoracoscopic anatomical pulmonary resection, some unexpected situations during clinical practice has been reported in literatures, with issues involving anatomical variation, pathological factors, and surgical techniques. However, the systemic summary of the unexpected situations during thoracoscopic anatomical pulmonary resection is lacking until now. The present review, therefore, aims to summarize accidental issues and troubleshooting these unexpected situations on the basis of our own clinical practice and literature reports.

ERS task force statement: diagnosis and treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) affects young healthy people with a significant recurrence rate. Recent advances in treatment have been variably implemented in clinical practice. This statement reviews the latest developments and concepts to improve clinical management and stimulate further research.The European Respiratory Society's Scientific Committee established a multidisciplinary team of pulmonologists and surgeons to produce a comprehensive review of available scientific evidence.Smoking remains the main risk factor of PSP. Routine smoking cessation is advised. More prospective data are required to better define the PSP population and incidence of recurrence. In first episodes of PSP, treatment approach is driven by symptoms rather than PSP size. The role of bullae rupture as the cause of air leakage remains unclear, implying that any treatment of PSP recurrence includes pleurodesis. Talc poudrage pleurodesis by thoracoscopy is safe, provided calibrated talc is available. Video-assisted thoracic surgery is preferred to thoracotomy as a surgical approach.In first episodes of PSP, aspiration is required only in symptomatic patients. After a persistent or recurrent PSP, definitive treatment including pleurodesis is undertaken. Future randomised controlled trials comparing different strategies are required.

The role for medical thoracoscopy in pneumothorax

Pneumothorax is a life threatening situation that requires fast treatment. There are two major classifications: Primary and Secondary. Staging of pneumothorax is also very important for treatment. Treatment of pneumont can be performed either from thoracic surgeons, or pulmonary physicians. In our current work we provide up-to-date information regarding pneumothorax classification, staging and treatment from the point of view of expert pulmonary physicians.

Comparative study of talc poudrage versus pleural abrasion for the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is a pathology mainly affecting healthy young patients. Clinical guidelines do not specify the type of pleurodesis that should be conducted, due to the lack of comparative studies on the different techniques. The aim of this study was to compare talc poudrage and pleural abrasion in the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax. A retrospective comparative study was performed, including 787 patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The 787 patients were classified into two groups: Group A (pleural abrasion) n = 399 and Group B (talc pleurodesis) n = 388. The variables studied were recurrence, surgical time, morbidity and in-hospital length of stay. Statistical analysis was done by an unpaired t-test and Fisher's exact test (SSPS 18.0). Statistically significant differences were observed in the variables: surgical time (A: 46 ± 12.3; B: 37 ± 11.8 min; P < 0.001); length of stay (A: 4.7 ± 2.5; B: 4.3 ± 1.8 days; P = 0.01); apical air camera (A: 25; B: 4; P < 0.001); pleural effusion (A: 6; B: 0; P = 0.05). Talc poudrage shows shorter surgical times and length of stay, and lower re-intervention rates. Morbidity is lower in patients with talc poudrage. Statistically significant differences were not observed in recurrence, persistent air leaks, atelectasis and haemothorax.

Indications for conversion of thoracoscopic to open thoracotomy in video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy

BACKGROUND

The study aims to discuss indications for conversion to thoracotomy in completely thoracoscopic lobectomy.

METHODS

From September 2006 to April 2010, 306 patients (164 men, 142 women, median age 58.1 years, range 15 to 86 years) underwent completely thoracoscopic lobectomy. There were 223 cases of primary lung cancer, 11 other malignant diseases and 72 cases of benign disease. The steps of the thoracoscopic procedures are almost identical to those of traditional open lobectomy, which requires standard mediastinal lymph node dissection for primary lung cancer patients. When conversion to an open procedure is necessary, such as in the presence of lymph node adhesions or metastases and bleeding, operative incisions are extended 12-15 cm towards lower angle of the scapula, retractors are used to separate the ribs, and the procedure is completely under direct visualization.

RESULTS

All procedures were performed without significant complications or intraoperative deaths. The average surgical duration was 195 min, and average blood loss was 256 mL with no blood transfusions required. The average chest tube drainage duration was 7.45 days. The average post-operative hospital stay was 10.34 days. There were 27 cases (8.8%) of conversion to open thoracotomy, for the reasons of interference by lymph nodes (n = 18), bleeding (n = 4), inflammatory adhesions of arteries (n = 3) and large size tumours (n = 2).

CONCLUSION

Adhesions or lymph node metastases and bleeding were the most important causes of conversion to thoracotomy in completely thoracoscopic lobectomy. Large tumours, fused fissures and dense pleural adhesions can always be managed thoracoscopically.

[The common causes of conversion of VATS during operation for 248 non-small cell lung cancers]

背景与目的

早期肺癌胸腔镜肺叶切除术（video-assisted thoracic surgery, VATS）目前已经成为早期非小细胞肺癌（non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC）治疗的常规术式。本文对中日友好医院胸外科已完成的胸腔镜肺叶切除术术中应急处理情况以及胸腔镜与传统开胸手术围手术期的相关因素进行分析总结。

方法

对2006年1月-2008年7月在中日友好医院胸外科进行的肺癌手术患者进行回顾性研究。

结果

共实施胸腔镜肺叶切除术248例，其中完全胸腔镜（complete video-assisted thoracic surgery, CVATS）组117例，胸腔镜辅助（assisted video-assisted thoracic surgery, AVATS）组131例。其中CVATS中转为AVATS或开放手术（open lobectomy, OPEN）共13例。中转术式的最常见原因依次为肺动脉或其分支出血、胸腔粘连、血管解剖变异、奇静脉出血、中叶静脉出血等。入组OPEN手术患者共129例。与OPEN组相比，VATS组的住院时间较短（20天vs 27天，P=0.015）、术中失血量较少（197 mL vs 250 mL, P=0.005），患者术后疼痛较轻（4.6 vs 6.2, P=0.003）。

结论

胸腔镜手术具有风险小、安全性较高、患者恢复快等特点，因此在一定范围内可以代替传统开胸手术。

Recurrent bilateral pneumothoraces: a rare complication of miliary tuberculosis

Pneumothorax as a complication of adult cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis is well known and not at all rare, but its occurrence as a complication of miliary tuberculosis is extremely rare. We report a 22-year-old woman who had nonproductive cough and fever for 3 days. Chest radiography showed diffuse, symmetrical miliary nodulation throughout both lung fields. The patient was treated for a presumed diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis with standard antituberculous regimen. Bilateral pneumothorax occurred simultaneously during hospitalization and chest tube thoracostomy was performed. Three days later, recurrent right pneumothorax developed. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lung biopsy of the right lung was performed and pathology showed granulomatous interstitial pneumonia with acid-fast positive bacilli. Lung tissue culture was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the following 2 months, bilateral pneumothorax recurred twice and chemical pleurodesis with minocycline was performed on both sides, but air leakage persisted. VATS pleurodesis was performed on both sides successfully without recurrence of pneumothorax on either side. Our experience highlights the fact that pneumothorax should be suspected in an adult with miliary tuberculosis who suddenly develops acute respiratory distress. Recurrent pneumothorax can be managed, apart from medical therapy of miliary tuberculosis, with surgical intervention.

Video assisted thoracic surgery in the management of spontaneous pneumothorax: the current status

Over the past decade, video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has changed the way spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) is managed. Benefits of VATS include less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, and attenuated postoperative inflammatory response are evident compared with open thoracic procedures. Furthermore, the increasing acceptance by patients and referring physicians is testament to its success. Recent studies and the authors decade of experience in management of SP by VATS show that it is quick, safe, and effective, with recurrence rates generally comparable to open procedures, with some exceptions. However, selecting the correct procedure and patient, as well as knowing the limitations of the surgeons and techniques are paramount for success. Even to this day, there are considerable variations in the treatment of SP and large scale controlled studies are needed to better define timing of surgery and the role of the different procedures in the treatment and prevention of SP.