Recurrent Pneumothorax

Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery

Our thoracic surgeons use minimally invasive techniques for conditions of the lung and chest wall. Today, they perform many minimally invasive procedures each year using video-assisted and robot-assisted approaches:

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) involves insertion of a long, thin tube (called a thoracoscope) through a small incision, or port. The thoracoscope’s miniature camera allows the surgeon to view and examine the chest cavity. Additional specially designed instruments inserted through one or two more ports enable the surgeon to remove fluid or tissue.

Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lungs and chest wall, causing part or all of a lung to collapse. VATS surgery is performed to prevent recurrence of the problem, or when prior treatment with a chest tube is unsuccessful. Any abnormal blisters on the surface of the lung that contribute to air leakage are removed during the procedure. In addition, medicine is applied to the pleural surfaces to reduce the risk of future lung collapse.