The aim of the present study was to assess the use of transdiaphragmatic paraxiphoid thoracoscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of experimentally induced pneumothorax in dogs. Severe pneumothorax was induced in 11 dogs by the insufflation of 10mL kg-1of air into each hemithorax until they became hemodynamically unstable. The correlation between central venous pressure (CVP) and the volume of injected air (mL kg-1) was determined, and was considered too heart rate, respiratory frequency, capillary refill time, oxygen saturation and the color of mucous membranes. Pneumothorax was treated with chest tube drainage with the placement of a trocar into the right side (six dogs) or into the left side (five dogs) of the xiphoid appendix through the diaphragm. The introduction of air volume equal to or greater than 50ml kg-1hemitórax-1 caused cardiorespiratory decompensation and increased the CVP to levels higher than 10cmH2O in all patients. Transdiaphragmatic paraxiphoid thoracoscopy allowed for adequate examination of the chest cavity and for effective drainage without any intraoperative and postoperative complications, as confirmed by intercostal thoracoscopy 15 days after surgery. The method for induction of pneumothorax and the chest tube placement technique proposed for its management are appropriate to be used in dogs.
thoracoscopic; drain; torax; canine
