Spontaneous Pneumothorax Daniel Brørs

Spontaneous Pneumothorax Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) occurs when air accumulates in the pleural space. It is usually caused by disease or injury, but can also happen spontaneously Spontaneous pneumothorax can be divided into primary and secondary type. Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax Caused by the rupture of a bleb in the lining of the lung (blister filled with serous fluid). Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax Associated withchronic lung pathology, particularly “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease” (COPD)‏

Etiology Spontaneous Pneumothorax usually occurs in tall, slender men. Often without a history of lung disease. It is prevalent in northern europe, as its countries have the tallest populations.

Treatment In case of small leakages, only observation (x-ray) is practiced. The lung reinflates on its own. More severe cases call for surgery, such as the insertion of a chest tube. Inserted between 5th and 6th ribs, in mid-axillary line

Treatment In reoccuring cases (up to 50%), thoracoscopic surgery is applied. After removing the air from the pleural space, there are two usual procedures Excision of the bleb, and stapling of its base Creating permanent adhesion between visceral and parietal pleura by physical trauma to the parietal pleura (scar tissue)‏

Sources http://www.tidsskriftet.no/?seks_id=222770 http://apps.med.buffalo.edu/procedures/chesttube.asp?p=7 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumothorax http://www.6051.com/English-version/pneumothorax.htm http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000100.htm