Tales of prolonged air leak: A case series of refractory pneumothorax successfully treated with autologous blood patch pleurodesis

Persistent air leak (PAL) remains a significant source of prolonged hospitalization and mortality. When patients are deemed unsuitable for thoracic surgery, the most appropriate next line of therapy remains controversial with no randomized controlled trials reporting on this issue. Consequently, several management strategies, including chemical pleurodesis, autologous blood patch, and endoscopic interventions, such as endobronchial values, have been used. We report a case series of 3 patients with PAL who were successfully managed with autologous blood patch or autologous blood pleurodesis resulting in the successful resolution of the pneumothorax and discharge from hospital. In our experience, an autologous blood patch is a safe, effective, and well tolerated procedure that lacks complications, such as pain, involved in chemical pleurodesis. Thus, we believe that autologous blood patch should be considered as an accepted treatment option.