Adhesion is a risk factor for postoperative recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax

Abstract

Abstract Background Several risk factors for postoperative recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax have been reported, but the identified risk factors differed among studies. Methods A total of 272 spontaneous pneumothorax patients were enrolled in this retrospective study, and the risk factors for postoperative recurrence were evaluated. Results Among the patients, more than 80% with ipsilateral postoperative recurrence relapsed within 3 years and more than 80% with contralateral postoperative recurrence relapsed within 4 years. Univariate analyses showed that age < 25 years (p < 0.01), Brinkman index = 0 (p = 0.03), intraoperative adhesion (p = 0.04), and upward lung volume > 75.8% (p = 0.03) were significant risk factors for ipsilateral postoperative recurrence. Age < 25 years (odds ratio: 10.41; 95% confidence interval: 1.42–76.15; p = 0.02) and intraoperative adhesion (odds ratio: 10.18; 95% confidence interval: 2.39–43.22; p < 0.01) were identified as risk factors for ipsilateral postoperative recurrence in a multivariate analysis. Conclusions The present findings suggest that young age and intraoperative adhesion are risk factors for postoperative recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax. For such patients, additional intraoperative procedures, such as covering with polyglycolic acid sheet for primary spontaneous pneumothorax and covering with absorbable oxidized cellulose with 50% glucose solution, may be required to reduce postoperative recurrence. Trial registration: The Institutional Review Board of Kanazawa Medical University approved the protocol of this retrospective study (approval number: I800), and written informed consent was obtained from all patients