Effectiveness of thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis in the management of complicated spontaneous pneumothorax

J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol. 2015 Jan;22(1):48-51. doi: 10.1097/LBR.0000000000000134.

Abstract

Background: Complicated (recurring or persistent) spontaneous pneumothorax requires intervention either by surgical or nonsurgical pleurodesis or other interventions. As for high-risk patients, aggressive interventions may be associated with morbidity, the safety and effectiveness of less aggressive alternative interventions like thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis (TTP) should be evaluated.

Methods: Data were extracted on patients who had undergone TTP for complicated spontaneous pneumothorax at Interventional Clinic, University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium. The complications, length of hospital stay, and success rate over a 24-month period were studied.

Results: A total of 41 TTP procedures were performed for 25 (61%) cases of primary spontaneous pneumothorax and for 16 (39%) cases of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. Twenty-four cases were first episodes, whereas it was a recurrence in 17. Of 4 patients with blebs/bullae, 2 had recurrence after TTP.No patient had acute respiratory distress syndrome or any other serious complication after TTP. Recurrence rates after TTP in primary and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax were 9.5% and 25% at 24 months, respectively. The mean length of hospital stay after TTP was 3±3.2 days.

Conclusions: TTP is a safe and effective intervention in complicated spontaneous pneumothorax.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Length of Stay
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pleurodesis / methods*
  • Pneumothorax / diagnosis*
  • Pneumothorax / therapy*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Talc / administration & dosage*
  • Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Talc