THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SUSTAINED (UNCLAMPED) PLEURODESIS IN SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and effectiveness of sustained (unclamped) pleurodesis in the management of spontaneous pneumothorax. Material and Methods: This non intervention descriptive study extended over a period of three and a half years from June 2005 to December 2008. Patients with both primary & secondary spontaneous pneumothorax were included while those with recurrent pneumothorax were excluded from the study. Pleurodesis was performed with tetracycline and after instillation of pleurodesing agent, the tube was not clamped. Results: 51 patients were included in the study of which 35(69 %) were males. Fourteen (27 °/0) patients smoked cigarettes while rest were non smokers. The immediate adverse effects after instillation of sclerosing agent were pain and fever. Lung remained expanded after pleurodesis in all the patients and none had lung collapsed in 24 hours. There were no major complications in any patient. Total duration of hospital stay was 3 days in 29% of patients, 7 days in 50% while 21 % stayed for more than 7 days. Patients were followed up at 15 days, 30 days and 6 months intervals. Sixty four percent completed all three follow up visits, 18 `)/0 completed 2 and 18 % only first visit. The recurrence rate was 5.8%. Conclusion: Sustained (undamped) pleurodesis is safe and effective procedure in spontaneous pneumothorax.