Assisted Thoracoscopic Intervention Versus Conventional Thoracotomy for Management of Trapped Lung Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Trapped lung syndrome is defined by the inability of the lung to expand and fill the thoracic cavity because of a restricting "peel." Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATs) can take part in the management of trapped lung syndrome more easily on the behalf of pleurectomy/ decortications Aim: to evaluate the prevalence of postoperative complications of thoracoscopic management of trapped lung syndrome. Patients and Methods: This study was held at Suez Canal university hospitals and as a randomized control clinical trial. It included all patients who presented with trapped lung syndrome. Patients were divided into 2 equal groups (conventional thoracotomy group and VATs group). Results: the total mean age was 52.45±13.6 yrs. (range 19-80 yrs.). 64% of the patients were males. The preoperative symptoms were fever in 70% of patients, cough in 30%, chest pain in 24%, and dyspnea in 66%. The mean operative time was 130.31±38.024 min. (Range 50-240 min.). The Mean postoperative air leak days were 4.71±2.802 days (Range 0-11 days). The mean postoperative VAS score for pain was 3.28±3.178, (Range 0-9). The mean Postoperative total hospital stays. Group A (7.06±1.69 days), group B (5.13± 2.45 days) (Multiport VATS 4.95±3.0 days Uniportal VATS 5.33±2.22 days) (p = 0.0001). The mean VAS score for pain at 6 months follow-up was 0.29± 0.72, (Range 0-3). Conclusion: operative time was lesser in VATs group than thoracotomy despite being no statistical significance between 2 groups regarding concomitant techniques which mean that VATs can do the same job in lesser operative time and decrease operative bleeding & risk, also zero conversion rate displays the learning curve and feasibility of both VATs techniques.