pneumothorax

This is a condition in which air leaks from the lungs, causing them to collapse. Spontaneous pneumothorax is the most common, and is caused by the rupture of sacs called bullae on the surface of the lungs, causing air to leak out. It often occurs in young people, and is accompanied by sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing. Because it is caused by bullae, it often recurs. Other types include traumatic pneumothorax and catamenial pneumothorax, which occurs when endometriosis spreads to the diaphragm, etc.

Our treatment policy

Mild pneumothorax will improve with rest alone. For moderate to severe pneumothorax, emergency care includes chest drainage to inflate the lungs. If the air leak persists, if it recurs repeatedly, or if bilateral pneumothorax occurs, surgery is required. Thoracoscopic surgery is performed to remove the brachialis and an artificial covering is applied to prevent recurrence. For catamenial pneumothorax, consultation with a gynecologist is required, and hormone therapy similar to that for endometriosis is administered.

Number of cases per year