Risk Factors Predisposing to Prolonged Air Leak After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Prolonged air leak is one of the most common complications after spontaneous pneumothorax operations. Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, bilateral procedures, and bullae diameter were risk factors for PAL. Use of talc pleurodesis with pleural abrasion may not decrease the incidence of PAL in VATS spontaneous pneumothorax operation. Talc pleurodesis with pleural abrasion should be used cautiously in patients with significant comorbid conditions or advanced age.