Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Bullectomy for Recurrent Spontaneous Pneumothorax
1National Hospital Abuja
2Cardiothoracic Unit, Department of Surgery, National Hospital, Abuja
3Cardiothoracic Unit, Department of Surgery, Federal Medical Center, Abuja
Abstract
Introduction: Spontaneous pneumothorax has several causes; one important cause is lung bullae, which typically occur at the apices of the lungs and can rupture, causing pneumothorax. Resection of these bullae is indicated to prevent recurrence.
Case Report: A 25-year-old man presented with recurrent breathlessness and cough. Clinical and radiological evaluation revealed a left pneumothorax, for which a chest tube was inserted. A chest CT scan revealed bilateral apical lung bullae. He experienced a recurrence two weeks later, requiring repeat tube thoracostomy and surgical intervention. Surgery was performed using a uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) approach — a relatively novel technique in the institution. The patient was discharged four days postoperatively.
Discussion: The clinical presentation of ruptured bullae causing pneumothorax is typical, as the patient was a young male with sudden onset of symptoms. Uniportal VATS offered advantages over open thoracotomy, including reduced pain, improved cosmetic outcomes, and early discharge.
Conclusion: Spontaneous pneumothorax resulting from lung bullae can be safely managed surgically using the uniportal VATS approach in resource-limited settings.
Keywords
Data Availability
Research data not made available
Author Biographies
Dr. Ndubuisi Anumenechi
National Hospital Abuja
Chief Consultant, Cardiothoracic Surgery , Department of Surgery, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.
Dr. Yahaya Baba Adamu
Cardiothoracic Unit, Department of Surgery, National Hospital, Abuja
Chief Consultant, Cardiothoracic Unit, Department of Surgery, National Hospital, Abuja
Dr. Ikechukwuka I Alioke
Cardiothoracic Unit, Department of Surgery, Federal Medical Center, Abuja
Senior Consultant, Cardiothoracic Unit, Department of Surgery, Federal Medical Center, Abuja
Dr. Kehinde Ayuba Suleiman
Cardiothoracic Unit, Department of Surgery, National Hospital, Abuja
Senior Registrar, Cardiothoracic Unit, Department of Surgery, National Hospital, Abuja
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Published in Vol. 8 No. 1 (2025): African Journal of Tropical Medicine and Biomedical Research, June 2025.
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