Journal of Nippon Medical School = Nippon Ika Daigaku zasshi
-
The postoperative recurrence rate of pneumothorax tends to be higher with thoracoscopic bullectomy than with conventional plication of bullae by axillary thoracotomy or posterolateral thoracotomy. We analyzed the risk factors for postoperative recurrence of pneumothorax in young patients treated with thoracoscopic bullectomy alone for primary spontaneous pneumothorax. ⋯ Close observation of the pleural cavity to find bullae and bullectomy with a sufficient margin of normal pleurae and pulmonary parenchyma are important measures for preventing postoperative recurrence of pneumothorax.