Successful Thoracoscopic Treatment of Large Bullae with Tisseel in Patients with Grave Obstructive Lung Disease

Abstract

Large bullae can cause severe worsening of lung function which is already poor in patients with severe obstructive lung disease. The situation can be much improved by elimination of the bulla. With earlier operation techniques there were postoperative complications, which can be dangerous in these severely handicapped persons. We have developed a thoracoscopic technique which minimizes the trauma. The bulla is opened and Tisseel applied. Thus, the bulla collapses, and there is no leakage of air afterwards from a damaged parenchyma since the walls of the bulla are left intact (though collapsed). We describe here the experience from our first two patients. The results are very promising.