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ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLES |
Heimlich Valve And Pezzer Catheter Using In The Management Of Persistent Air Leak Due To Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Dr. Alper FINDIKCIOĞLUa, Dr. Dalokay KILIÇb, Dr. Ahmet HATİPOĞLUb
aGöğüs Cerrahisi AD, Başkent Üniversitesi Yüreğir Hastanesi, Adana bGöğüs Cerrahisi AD, Başkent Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Ankara
Objective: Persistent air leak is a frequent complication of thoracic surgery. In this study, Heimlich valve -Pezzer catheter using in the home treatment of persistent air leak due to secondary spontaneous pneumothorax were evaluated. Material and Methods: Between May 2004 and September 2008, 10 patients with prolonged air leak were treated with Heimlich valve- Pezzer catheter combinations. All of the patients were male and they were on medical therapy because of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema). The mean age was 67.5 (range: 56-88). Initially, all the patients underwent tube thoracostomy and underwater seal drainage system as a standard approach for the treatment of pneumothorax. If the air leak persists more than 10 days, Pezzer catheter with Heimlich valve was carried on instead of standard chest tube system. The patients were discharged with the new system and fallowed at their home. Results: Eight of the patients (80%) were treated with this method without any additional approach. Two of the patients were operated; one of them with empyema underwent video thoracoscopy and the other one with persistent broncho-pleural fistula underwent thoracotomy. The mean hospitalization time was 15 days (range 11-30 days). Mean persistent air leak time was 24.7 days (range 17-35 days). Only one recurrence was observed during the 18.3 months’ fallow up. Conclusion: Heimlich valve Pezzer catheter combination is a successful and safe method in the management of prolonged air leak due to secondary spontaneous pneumothorax.Keywords: Pneumothorax;, pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive; ambulatory surgical proceduresTurkiye Klinikleri Arch Lung 2009;10(2):57-62
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