Pneumothorax recurrence after VAT pleurodesis
Posted , 7 users are following.
Hi all!
So after having multiple spontaneous pneumothorax on my right and left lung I had VAT pleurodesis on both of my lungs. My right lung was done last December, everything was ok until August, in which I had a slight pneumothorax. After seeing the doctor it seemed that it was relatively small (3cm) and that it would cure itself. Apparently the upper part of the lung is not attached well together compared to the lower part. The doctor told me that, if this occurred more than twice per year, it would be a good idea to do pleurectomy, the more invasive version of pleurodesis.
I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience, i.e. further pneumothorax after VAT pleurodesis. Did you get another pleurodesis or did you get a pleurectomy (which my doctor seemed to recommend). If so how did it compare, and how are you now?
Thanks in advanced!
1 like, 8 replies
marie_lowe nachos
Posted
I'm in the same boat. So far I waited 5 weeks the lung got better but now here I am again with the bubbling noise. I do not want that surgery. Not sure what my future is going to be.
jonathan123 nachos
Posted
Hi, I had Vats and it occurred again and again. I had pleurectamy on doctors recommendation and not had a problem since
that's 5 years 
marie_lowe jonathan123
Posted
tami72570 jonathan123
Posted
Jonathan—I’ve had a bleb resection and pleurodesis on both lungs, (twice on the left one) most recently a month ago. As I type this I think it’s collapsing yet again so I’m hoping you can provide some information regarding pleurectomy. Actually I need you to tell me pretty much all about it. I realize it’s more invasive but how was your recovery? All of my VATS pleurodesis have been mechanical and done around the top of my lungs as they said doing it near the bottom would limit movement and make activity painful. I am an avid runner and active at the gym and losing that ability would surely throw me into depression. I would really appreciate any information about your experience you can provide.
jonathan123 nachos
Posted
Sure recovery was 7-10 days in hospital! Then a few months taking it easy. Honestly if you have had problems after Vats I would do it. I had a tension pneumothorax after vats. That can kill you! Doctor recommended it and I did it. Touch wood I've had no problems last 5 years
marie_lowe jonathan123
Posted
nickolas80558 jonathan123
Posted
I love your calmness about the whole thing, its hard to find optimism nowadays. I've been having the same issues and don't want to go through with any more surgeries, but this is encouraging.
XDKTC nachos
Posted
when they did my pleurodesis they at same time did a pleurectamy i've had small pains in upper chest here and there telling me i have a small collapse but nothing to concern myself with . they also elected to do a bullectomy at the same time. spelling? prolly not right but i dont care . my only concern these days is the blebs on my left lung as the only one repaired so far is the right lung where i was having all of the collapses.