Abstract
•Primary spontaneous hemopneumothorax is an emergency and should be treated immediatley to prevent any dramatic complication.•Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery now is the gold standard in treatment of hemopneumothorax.•Applying the new concept of uniportal technique has a better outcome with fast patient recovery.•Ability to use thoracostomy tube opening for uniporatal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.•Utilization of uniportal technique even in semi-stable patient is safe and well tolerated.
Primary spontaneous hemopneumothorax (PSHP) is an accumulation of blood and air in the pleural space without trauma or obvious etiology. It is a rare surgical emergency and may lead to hypovolemic shock if not treated. Early and fast recognition will improve patient outcomes.
We present a case of PSHP in a young male utilizing the uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) through the same incisional site of the thoracostomy tube. The patient made an uneventful recovery.
VATS has become the first line and the gold standard surgical management of most thoracic surgeries. In case of PSHP, some thoracic surgeons still skeptical about the minimal invasive approach in such emergency. Applying the concept of uniportal technique, which can be used for diagnostic as well as major therapeutic purposes. There is vast literature that support the notion that it reduces postoperative pain and paresthesia and lead to fast patient recovery.
As demonstrated in our case, uniportal VATS is safe and effective in the management of PSHP.