[Thoracoscopic operation of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax].

Since January 1990 we have treated 49 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax (35 primary and 14 secondary cases) by thoracoscopic operation. All patients entered a prospective trial. Those with secondary pneumothorax are discussed here. There have been no major complications. Conversion rate however has been high with 4/14 (29%). Three more patients (21%) not suitable for thoracotomy suffered from persistent air leaks. The other 7 patients needed postoperative drainage for less than 6 days in average. VATS could nevertheless be an alternative to thoracotomy for avoiding prolonged suction treatment in patients with secondary pneumothorax as patients showed no complications or disadvantage after conversion to thoracotomy.