Thoracoscopic surgical treatment for pleuroperitoneal communication

Abstract

Hydrothorax as a result of pleuroperitoneal communication (PPC) is an uncommon but a well-known complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). In this paper, we present a 60-year old man with diabetic renal failure who underwent CAPD. Two weeks after starting CAPD, chest radiographs showed a right-sided hydrothorax. Radioscintigraphy was performed and PPC was diagnosed. Eight days after the diagnosis, thoracoscopic surgery was performed. The leakage points were closed by direct suturing with absorbable polyglycolic acid felt and fibrin glue. The patient resumed CAPD 2 weeks later, and there was no recurrence of the right hydrothorax. Video-assisted thoracic surgery with direct suturing represents a feasible method for treating PPC with confirmed fistulae. © 2012 The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.