Risk factors for recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax after thoracoscopic surgery

Incidence and risk factors for recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The incidence and risk factors for recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) remain controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the incidence and risk factors for recurrence of PSP after VATS.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify studies that reported the rate and risk factors for recurrence of PSP after VATS published up to December 2023. The pooled recurrence rate and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. In addition, risk factors were similarly included in the meta-analysis, and sources of heterogeneity were explored using meta-regression analysis.

Results

A total of 72 studies involving 23,531 patients were included in the meta-analysis of recurrence. The pooled recurrence rate of PSP after VATS was 10% (95% CI: 8-12%). Male sex (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.41-0.92; P=0.02), younger age [mean difference (MD): -2.01; 95% CI: -2.57 to -1.45; P<0.001), lower weight (MD: -1.57; 95% CI: -3.03 to -0.11; P=0.04), lower body mass index (BMI) (MD: -0.73; 95% CI: -1.08 to 0.37; P<0.001), and history of contralateral pneumothorax (OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.56-3.87; P<0.001) were associated with recurrent PSP, whereas height, smoking history, affected side, stapling line reinforcement, and pleurodesis were not associated with recurrent PSP after VATS.

Conclusions

The recurrence rate of PSP after VATS remains high. Healthcare professionals should focus on factors, including sex, age, weight, BMI, and history of contralateral pneumothorax, that may influence recurrence.

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.

Risk factors for the recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in patients younger than 40 years

BACKGROUND

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a standard primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) procedure. However, its high recurrence rate compared to open thoracotomy is a problem. Therefore, various methods to prevent recurrence have been developed. The present study investigated the risk factors for postoperative recurrence of PSP after VATS.

METHODS

From January 2008 to November 2022, 207 patients younger than 40 years of age without underlying pulmonary disease underwent thoracoscopic bullectomy for PSP. Among them, 96 underwent staple line reinforcement with a polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet and autologous blood spraying. Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes were analyzed to determine the prognostic factors for postoperative recurrence.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients (13.0%) experienced recurrences. A multivariate analysis using Cox regression analysis revealed that age younger than 20 years [P=0.039; hazard ratio (HR) =2.337; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.283-17.287], history of contralateral pneumothorax (P<0.001; HR =7.533; 95% CI, 1.486-12.336), and no staple line reinforcement (P=0.007; HR =4.282; 95% CI, 1.043-5.236) were risk factors for recurrence after pneumothorax surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Age younger than 20 years and history of contralateral pneumothorax were risk factors for postoperative recurrence of pneumothorax. Staple line reinforcement with a PGA sheet and spraying of autologous blood reduced the postoperative recurrence rate of PSP.

Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose versus Polyglycolic Acid for Pleural Coverage in Pneumothorax Surgery

Objectives: Although surgical intervention for spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) reduces the recurrence rate, thoracoscopic surgery is associated with greater postoperative recurrence rates than open thoracotomy. A polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet or oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) mesh can therefore be used for additional coverage after thoracoscopic surgery, and this study compared the clinical impacts of these two materials. Methods: From 2018 to 2020, 262 thoracoscopic surgeries for primary SP were performed, of which 125 patients were enrolled in this study, and 48 and 77 patients received ORC and PGA coverage, respectively. The clinical characteristics and surgical procedures were reviewed, and the recurrence rates were compared. To obtain more comprehensive evidence, we performed a literature review and meta-analysis comparing ORC and PGA coverage. Results: There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the two groups. Operating time was slightly shorter in the ORC group than in the PGA group (p = 0.008). The pneumothorax recurrence rate was similar in both groups (PGA: 10.4%, ORC: 6.2%, p = 0.529), but the recurrence-free interval was significantly longer (p = 0.036) in the ORC (262 days) than in the PGA (48.5 days) group. The literature review identified three relevant studies, and the meta-analysis revealed no difference in pneumothorax recurrence rate between the two coverage materials. Conclusions: The two visceral pleural coverage materials, PGA and ORC, did not show significant differences in postoperative pneumothorax recurrence. Therefore, if applied appropriately, the choice of material between ORC and PGA for thoracoscopic pneumothorax surgery does not have a significant impact on the clinical outcome.

Meta-analysis of the association between emphysematous change on thoracic computerized tomography scan and recurrent pneumothorax

OBJECTIVES

At least a third of patients go on to suffer a recurrence following a first spontaneous pneumothorax. Surgical intervention reduces the risk of recurrence and has been advocated as a primary treatment for pneumothorax. But surgery exposes patients to the risks of anaesthesia and in some cases can cause chronic pain. Risk stratification of patients to identify those most at risk of recurrence would help direct the most appropriate patients to early intervention. Many studies have addressed the role of thoracic computerized tomography (CT) in identifying those individuals at increased risk of recurrence, but a consensus is lacking.

AIM

Our objective was to clarify whether CT provides valuable prognostic information for recurrent pneumothorax.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

METHODS

We conducted an exhaustive search of the literature for thoracic CT imaging and pneumothorax, and then performed a meta-analysis using a random effects model to estimate the common odds ratio and standard error.

RESULTS

Here, we show by meta-analysis of data from 2475 individuals that emphysematous change on CT scan is associated with a significant increased odds ratio for recurrent pneumothorax ipsilateral to the radiological abnormality (odds ratio 2.49, 95% confidence interval 1.51-4.13).

CONCLUSIONS

The association holds true for primary spontaneous pneumothorax when considering emphysematous changes including blebs and bullae. Features, such as bullae at the azygoesophageal recess or increased Goddard score similarly predicted recurrent secondary pneumothorax, as shown by subgroup analysis. Our meta-analysis suggests that CT scanning has value in risk stratifying patients considering surgery for pneumothorax.

Significance of very-low-voltage coagulation plus coverage with polyglycolic acid sheet after bullectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to clarify the efficacy of the combination of low-voltage coagulation plus staple line coverage with a polyglycolic acid sheet after bullectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax to prevent a postoperative recurrence.

METHODS

A total of 143 patients who underwent bullectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax between January 2014 and December 2019 were enrolled in this study. We classified the patients into two groups based on additional procedures after bullectomy, namely, low-voltage coagulation for the margin of the staple line plus coverage with a polyglycolic acid sheet (Group A) and staple line coverage with a polyglycolic acid sheet alone (Group B). We evaluated perioperative factors and recurrence-free survival after surgery in the two groups.

RESULTS

Nine patients in Group B developed postoperative recurrences. In contrast, there was no postoperative recurrence in Group A. According to the Kaplan-Meier curves, the 2-year recurrence-free survival rates of the patients were 100% and 90.3%, in Group A and Group B, respectively. The log-rank test showed a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

Low-voltage coagulation for the margin of a staple line plus coverage with a polyglycolic acid sheet is a useful option as an additional technique after bullectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax to prevent a postoperative recurrence.

Simultaneous Viscum pleurodesis and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) bullectomy in patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax

Although surgery is the gold standard for treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP), recurrence after surgery remains a concern. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of simultaneous pleurodesis using Viscum album (VA) extract and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) bullectomy for the treatment of PSP. From March 2016 to June 2020, 175 patients with PSP underwent bullectomy and intraoperative pleurodesis with VA extract at a single institution. All operations were performed through thoracoscopy by one surgeon. Upon completion of bullectomy, a polyglycolic acid sheet was used to cover the stapler lines, and 40 mg of VA extract was instilled over the entire chest wall before chest tube placement. The median operating time was 20 min (interquartile ranges, 15–30) and the median indwelling time of chest drainage was 2 days (interquartile ranges, 2–3). There were no postoperative complications over grade 3. During the median follow-up period of 38 months (interquartile ranges, 15–48), no recurrence of pneumothorax was observed. The results of this study demonstrated that simultaneous Viscum pleurodesis and VATS bullectomy provides a feasible and effective treatment option for preventing postoperative pneumothorax in patients with PSP.

Recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax following bullectomy with pleurodesis or pleurectomy: A retrospective analysis

Background

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is managed initially with observation and chest tube placement, followed by surgical intervention in select cases. With little currently published evidence, the role of surgical pleurodesis or pleurectomy to reduce primary spontaneous pneumothorax recurrence is unclear. This study compares the recurrence rates of primary spontaneous pneumothorax following bullectomy alone versus bullectomy with pleurodesis or pleurectomy.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed at a quaternary hospital for all patients undergoing surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax between June 2006 and December 2018. Patient demographics, disease severity, operative technique, and time between initial surgery and recurrence were recorded. Standard statistical techniques were used for univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results

Of 222 total included patients, 28 required a second surgery: 4 (1.8%) for prolonged air leak and 24 (10.8%) for recurrent pneumothorax. The median time from first to second surgery was 363 days and 35.7% of recurrences did not present until after two years. Age, sex, smoking, year of initial surgery, disease severity, and surgical technique did not significantly affect recurrence rate on univariable analysis. On multivariable analysis, the odds ratios of recurrence for bullectomy with mechanical pleurodesis or pleurectomy were respectively 0.82 and 0.15 (P=0.218), compared to bullectomy alone. Combined bullectomy, pleurectomy, and pleurodesis was most effective (0/18, 0%).

Conclusions

Bullectomy with pleurectomy and pleurodesis demonstrated a 0% recurrence rate for the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in this study. Statistical significance was not achieved in univariable or multivariable analyses comparing recurrence rates for the surgical approaches. A multi-center randomized controlled trial with longer follow-up than previously performed is needed to confirm these preliminary findings and optimize surgical management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

[Pneumothorax]

A pneumothorax is defined by the presence of free air between the pleura visceralis and the pleura partietalis. The lung separates from the chest wall, which then, depending on several parameters, leads to a slight or clinically threatening impairment of lung function. Non-specific signs such as thoracic pain or coughing are common and do not correlate with the extent of the pneumothorax. Almost without exception, the cause of this accumulation of air is a leakage in the lung's surface, which then results in air escaping into the pleural space. Depending on the cause of the "lung leakage", a distinction is made between a primary (idiopathic) spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) that can be triggered without direct cause, and a secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) in case of an underlying known lung disease. Further between an iatrogenic pneumothorax in connection with a lung injury caused by medical measures, and a traumatic pneumothorax in the case of an accident-related lung tear. The relevant therapeutic goals are the elimination of the acute symptoms, the reliable achievement of re-expansion of the lungs, and, after appropriate information gathering about the probability and clinical significance of a pneumothorax recurrence and depending on the patient's wish, avoiding a recurrence by means of surgical measures. The therapy options range from a "wait-and-see" procedure, that merely monitors the findings, to a primary video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical therapy with detection and resection of the superficial lung lesion, as well as a measurement to obliterate the pleural cavity that prevents relapse. Regarding "follow-up care" or even behavioral recommendations after a pneumothorax, there are no recommendations that reduce the risk of recurrence.

Recurrence rate and risk factors for recurrence after thoracoscopic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax: A nationwide population-based study

PURPOSE

This large-scale nationwide population-based study aimed to determine the recurrence rate and risk factors for recurrence after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP).

METHODS

This retrospective study used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database to identify individuals who underwent VATS for PSP from 2007 to 2014. All patients were followed up until December 31, 2017. Study variables included demographic characteristics, intensive care unit admission, lung resection status, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and hospital level. The primary outcome was 1-year recurrence, and the secondary outcomes were the 1-year rate of reintervention for recurrence and overall recurrence rate.

RESULTS

During the study period, 6654 patients underwent VATS for PSP (average age: 23.2 years, 89.1% male), including 910 patients (13.7%) who experienced recurrence within 1 year and 531 patients (8.0%) who required reintervention within 1 year. The overall recurrence rate was 24.8%, with an average follow-up time of 6.7 years. Age ≤18 years and the use of NSAIDs, especially ketorolac, were significant risk factors for 1-year recurrence and overall recurrence. Younger age was a risk factor for 1-year reintervention. In subgroup analysis, NSAID use was a significant risk factor for 1-year recurrence, 1-year reintervention, and overall recurrence in pediatric patients but not in adult patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In Taiwan, the 1-year recurrence rate was 13.7% after VATS for PSP. Younger age and the use of NSAIDs, especially ketorolac, were significant risk factors for short- and long-term recurrence after VATS for PSP.

Conservative treatment for recurrent secondary spontaneous pneumothorax in patients with a long recurrence-free interval

Background

Although recurrence is included in surgical indications, there is no definitive guideline for managing recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) according to characteristics of recurrence, such as the type [primary SP (PSP) or secondary SP (SSP)] and recurrence-free interval (RFI). Actually, some patients with early cessation of air leak after closed thoracostomy tubes, a long RFI, or medical comorbidities are often managed conservatively without surgery. However, the validity of this management is unclear. The aims of the present study are to analyze treatment outcomes for recurrent SP according to the type of SP and RFI, and to check the validity of conservative treatment for patients according to type of SP and RFI.

Methods

We included 1,250 consecutive cases (624 right sided and 626 left side cases for the first episode) who were hospitalized and treated from January 2012 to June 2018. To investigate recurrence according to treatment modality (surgical or conservative treatment), we estimated RFI in each group during the observation period. RFI was measured from the completion of treatment to recurrence or last follow-up. We divided patients into two groups [the early (EG) and the late (LG) recurrence group] according to 1-year. Recurrence was defined as a subsequent episode of an ipsilateral SP, while a contralateral SP was regarded as an independent case in the present study. RFI between subgroups was compared using the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test. A P value less than 0.05 (two-sided) was regarded as statistically significant.

Results

Recurrence occurred in 47 cases after surgical intervention for the first episode (585 cases). Recurrence occurred in 265 cases after conservative treatment for the first episode of SP (665 cases). For the first episode, the surgical group (SG) had a significantly longer RFI than the conservative group (CG), regardless of the type (both, P<0.001). Conservative treatment and surgical intervention for the second episode after conservative treatment for the first episode were performed in 98 and 167 cases, respectively. For the second episode after conservative treatment for the first episode, SG also had a significantly longer RFI than CG, regardless of the types (PSP P<0.001, SSP P=0.031). To check the validity of conservative treatment for patients with a long RFI, we analyzed recurrence by dividing patients into two groups according to one-year RFI. For PSP, the early recurrence group (EG, RFI ≤1 year) had 99 cases and the late recurrent group (LG, RFI >1 year) had 67 cases. SG had a significantly longer RFI than CG in both EG and LG (EG, P<0.001 and LG, P=0.001). In addition, for SSP, there were 67 cases of EG and 32 cases of LG, SG had significantly longer RFIs than CG in EG (P=0.007). However, there was no significant difference in RFI between SG and CG in LG (P=0.748).

Conclusions

The present study revealed diversity of management outcomes according to characteristics of recurrence and provides some evidences of the validity of conservative treatment in recurrent SSP with a long RFI. Further large-scale prospective randomized trials are required to validate these findings.

Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax and bullous lung disease in cannabis and tobacco smokers: A case-control study

Background

The notion that smoking cannabis may damage the respiratory tract has been introduced in recent years but there is still a paucity of studies on this subject. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cannabis smoking, pneumothorax and bullous lung disease in a population of operated patients.

Methods and findings

We performed a retrospective study on patients operated on for spontaneous pneumothorax. Patients were divided into three groups according to their smoking habit: cannabis smokers, only-tobacco smokers and nonsmokers. Cannabis lifetime exposure was expressed in dose-years (1d/y = 1 gram of cannabis/week for one year). Clinical, radiological and perioperative variables were collected. The variables were analyzed to find associations with smoking habit. The impact of the amount of cannabis consumption was also investigated by ROC curves analysis.

Of 112 patients, 39 smoked cannabis, 23 smoked only tobacco and 50 were nonsmokers. Median cannabis consumption was 28 dose/years, median tobacco consumption was 6 pack/years. Cannabis smokers presented with more severe chronic respiratory symptoms and bullous lung disease and with a higher incidence of tension pneumothorax than both tobacco smokers and nonsmokers. Cannabis smokers also developed a larger pneumothorax, experienced prolonged postoperative stay and demonstrated a higher incidence of pneumothorax recurrence after the operation than nonsmokers did. The risk of occurrence of chronic respiratory symptoms and bullous lung disease in cannabis smokers was dose-related.

Conclusions

Cannabis smoking seems to increase the risk of suffering from respiratory complaints and can have detrimental effects on lung parenchyma, in a dose-dependent manner. Cannabis smoking also negatively affected the outcome of patients operated for spontaneous pneumothorax. A history of cannabis abuse should always be taken in patients with pneumothorax. There may be need for a specific treatment for pneumothorax in cannabis smokers.