Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) Vesrus Subaxillary Small Minithoractomy (SAMT) For The Treatment Of Spontaneous Pneumothorax(SP).

Objective:To match the indication and consumed time of operation, bleeding and transfusing volume of perioperation, duration of postoperative chest drainage,painful time of postoperation and recurrence rate of pneu- mothorax between Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery(VATS) and sub- axillary small minithoractomy(SAMT) for the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax(SP).Methods:Between July 2006 and March 2009, 44 patients (30 men and 14 women) with PSP were recorded and retrospectively reviewed. 28 patiens underwent VATS and another 16 did SAMT.Results:The spending time of postoperative hospitalization, the duration of postoperative chest drainage and painful time of postoperation were significantly shorter in group VATS than in group SAMT. There were no complication, mortality in both groups.Conclusions:VATS has many advantages,for example: minimal invasion, shorter duration of postoperative chest drainage and painful time of post- operation, less affecting cardio-pulmonary function and quick recovery. We suggest that VATS is the first choice for the treatment of primary SP(PSP), especially for recurrent or bilateral PSP. Secondary SP(SSP) is recommended for TH as the circumstances may require.