Thoracoscopic 360 degree apical pleurodesis with turned-over parietal pleura

Abstract

Apical pleurodesis procedures, in addition to the resection of bullae or blebs, proved to lower the recurrence rate in spontaneous pneumothoraces. Here, we describe our thoracoscopic technique of making a 360° apical pleurodesis. After resecting responsible bullae or blebs thoracoscopically, we dissect the parietal pleura off the chest wall up, turn it over on the mediastinal side, clip it on the mediastinal pleura and place the lung apex against the rough surface to promote extensive apical pleurodesis. The technique has been performed for 18 patients so far and no late recurrence of pneumothorax has been noted. © The Author 2013.