Table 2 Patient characteristics stratified by TPC or PPC

 Age at the first pneumothorax episode (years)

38 ± 9.5^a

38 ± 11^a

0.944

 Age at surgery

40 ± 9.9^a

42 ± 9.7^a

0.431

 Gender (male/female)

28 / 24

18 / 20

0.544

 Laterality (right/left)

29 / 23

21 / 17

0.962

 VATS / Open thoracotomy

52 / 0

38 / 0

N/A

 Number of used ports

4.0 ± 0.28^a

3.3 ± 0.45^a

<  0.001

 ORC mesh (10.2 × 20.3 cm)

14 ± 2.3^a

9.0 ± 2.3^a

<  0.001

 Amount of fibrin sealant (mL)

9.1 ± 2.7^a

7.1 ± 1.9^a

<  0.001

 Operating time (minutes)

140 ± 35^a

110 ± 32^a

<  0.001

 Severe complication (≥ grade IIIa)^b (during surgery)

0

0

N/A

 Follow-up period after surgery (months)

38 ± 22^a

65 ± 20^a

<  0.001