Publication:

Efficacy of homologous fibrin sealant in the surgery for pneumothorax

Background Prolonged air leakage following pneumothorax surgery is a significant issue causing increased hospital stay and morbidity. This study aimed to investigate the cost and efficacy of homologous fibrin sealant in preventing the air leakages.

Methods Among the patients who had undergone bullectomy and subtotal parietal pleurectomy for recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax via transaxillary mini thoracotomy between 2010 and 2018, two groups each including 35 cases were conducted as to whether fibrin sealent had been applied. These two patient groups were compared in terms of age, gender, duration of air leakage and cost.

Results Mean age of whole group of patients including 59 males and 11 females was 21.5 years. Mean values of air leakage duration and cost of hospital stay was calculated as 1.94 days and 2777 TL for sealant applied group and 2.97 days and 1200 TL for sealent unapplied group, respectively. The patient groups did not indicate a statistically difference in terms of age and gender whereas duration of air leakage was shorter but cost was higher in the group for whom fibrin sealant had been administered (p<0.001). None of the patients developed mortality but recurrence was present in 4 (5.7%) patients.

Conclusions Although homologous fibrin sealant applied in pneumothorax surgery results in cost increase, it contributes to surgical outcomes by preventing possible additional complications in consideration of shortened duration of air leakage.