Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Thoracoscopic surgery to treat lung bullae in 3 dogs
By Brissot, Herve N et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2003·Clinique Fregis, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Thoracoscopic treatment of bullous emphysema in 3 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Three dogs with spontaneous pneumothorax (a condition where air leaks into the chest cavity) underwent a minimally invasive surgery called thoracoscopy to remove abnormal air-filled sacs in their lungs known as bullae. The procedure involved using a small camera and instruments to locate and excise the bullae, followed by placing drains to help remove any remaining air. All three dogs recovered fully and showed no signs of recurrence for 18 to 29 months after the surgery. This approach is less painful and has fewer complications compared to traditional surgery.
People also search for: dog spontaneous pneumothorax treatment · bullous emphysema in dogs · thoracoscopy for dogs recovery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report thorascopic partial lobectomy for treatment of bullous emphysema in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Three dogs with spontaneous pneumothorax. METHODS: Thoracoscopy without pulmonary exclusion was used to identify bulla. The thorascope was introduced into the thorax lateral to the xyphoid process, and instrument portals were made at different levels along the thoracic wall between the third and tenth intercostal spaces. The thorascope was passed through the mediastinum to view the opposite pleural cavity. After identification of bullae, the affected lung was excised using an endoscopic stapler, and the incision line was checked for air leakage. Thoracic drains were used for air aspiration for 2 days after surgery. RESULTS: Bullae were confirmed histologically as emphysematous lesions. Lung inflation did not interfere with identification of bullae or with surgery. All dogs had full recovery without recurrence for 18 to 29 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Identification and ablation of bulla can be performed thoracoscopically without pulmonary exclusion in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Thoracoscopy offers several advantages compared with thoracotomy for treatment and diagnosis of idiopathic pneumothorax, including ease of identification of bullae and reduced postoperative pain and morbidity.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14648530/