Abstract

Introduction: In some cases, spontaneous pneumothorax may require surgery, but in poor risk patients, pleurodesis may be a reasonable choice. Pleurodedis with autologous blood necessitates the clampage of the chest tube for a period. Excess air leakage from the chest tube may avoid the clampage. A simple technique without clamping the chest tube during pleurodesis is described which we used in patients with persistent air leak.

Material and Method: The study comprised 11 patients diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax who were treated by autologous blood patch pleurodesis without clamping the chest tube. Pleurodesis was performed at the bedside by giving 50 ml autologous blood into the pleural cavity. The tube was lifted up to form a loop, in order to prevent the blood from draining into the bottle. Cessation of air leak at the end of 72 hours was accepted as complete response, whereas a marked decrease in air leakage was accepted as partial response to the procedure.

Results: The mean age and age range of 10 male and 1 female patients were 55.6+15.7 and 29-75, consecutively. Complete response was obtained in 6 patients (%54.5), partial in 4 (%36.4). Air drainage continued without any change in 1 patient. Complications were empyema (1 patient) and intrathoracic coagulum (1 patient).

Conclusion: The aforementioned loop technique facilitates the execution of autologous blood patch pleurodesis, particularly in patients with an excessive air leak. In our opinion, it is a reliable technique both for preventing air leakage and achieving pleurodesis in selective patients unsuitable for surgery.(Tur Toraks Der 2008;9:157-9)