Calvin Sh Ng1, Anthony Pc Yim. 1. Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Spontaneous hemopneumothorax can be life threatening, and is a cause of patients presenting with unexplained signs of significant hypovolemia. The debate relating to patient selection and timing of surgery in patients with spontaneous hemopneumothorax remains unresolved. RECENT FINDINGS: Our experience together with the latest series published over the last decade on the conservative and surgical management of spontaneous hemopneumothorax are presented and discussed. SUMMARY: Surgery should be performed early in the management of spontaneous hemopneumothorax to reduce morbidity. In particular, video-assisted thoracic surgery, which is associated with potentially fewer post-operative complications and shorter hospital stays compared with thoracotomy, should be considered in patients with spontaneous hemopneumothorax who are hemodynamically stable.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Spontaneous hemopneumothorax can be life threatening, and is a cause of patients presenting with unexplained signs of significant hypovolemia. The debate relating to patient selection and timing of surgery in patients with spontaneous hemopneumothorax remains unresolved. RECENT FINDINGS: Our experience together with the latest series published over the last decade on the conservative and surgical management of spontaneous hemopneumothorax are presented and discussed. SUMMARY: Surgery should be performed early in the management of spontaneous hemopneumothorax to reduce morbidity. In particular, video-assisted thoracic surgery, which is associated with potentially fewer post-operative complications and shorter hospital stays compared with thoracotomy, should be considered in patients with spontaneous hemopneumothorax who are hemodynamically stable.
Authors: Calvin S H Ng; Kristine K Y Pang; Randolph H L Wong; Innes Y P Wan; Malcolm J Underwood Journal: World J Surg Date: 2009-08 Impact factor: 3.352