THORACOSCOPIC BULLECTOMY AND TETRACYCLINE PLEURODESIS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX

Initial experience of thoracoscopic bullectomy and tetracycline pleuro desis for the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax is reported. Thirt y-three out of 49 patients admitted with spontaneous pneumothorax were suitable for treatment with this minimally invasive method. This seri es demonstrates that this surgical management offers early discharge a nd return to normal activities with excellent medium-term results, des pite the three early failures. It is felt that with increased experien ce in thoracoscopy and improved selection of patients, thoracoscopic b ullectomy and pleurodesis will become the treatment of choice for prim ary spontaneous pneumothorax.