Staple line coverage with absorbable mesh after thoracoscopic bullectomy for spontaneous pneumothorax

Abstract

Thoracoscopic simple bullectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) has a relatively high postoperative recurrence rate and sometimes results in postoperative air leakage. One of the reasons for postoperative recurrence is the regrowth of bullae around the staple line. Therefore, reinforcement of the visceral pleura around the staple line is a reasonable way to prevent postoperative air leaks and recurrence. This study was done to determine the efficacy in preventing postoperative air leak and recurrent pneumothorax of widely covering the staple line with absorbable mesh after thoracoscopic bullectomy.