Thoracoscopic ablation of blebs using PDS-endoloop in recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax.

Thoracoscopy has specific advantages over traditional open thoracotomy, including shorter hospitalization, decreased recovery time, and an earlier return to the work force. Thoracoscopy and bleb ablation using sophisticated lasers has been successful in treating spontaneous pneumothorax. We have recently completed thoracoscopy bleb ablation with PDS Endoloop (Polyclioxanone, Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ, U.S.A.) and pleurodesis in a patient with a recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. The chest tube was removed and the patient discharged on the 3rd postoperative day. He returned to work on the 7th postoperative day. This new procedure can be used on selected patients with small blebs.