Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
TURKISH JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, cilt.11, sa.1, ss.20-24, 2011 (ESCI)
Objectives Spontaneous pneumothorax is defined as the collection of free air between the lung and chest wall, and is diagnosed clinically and radiologically. Treatment approaches to this condition are variable. In our study, we discussed our experience on pneumothorax and its treatment options in light of relevant literature. Methods 48 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax were prospectively reviewed. Only the patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax were enrolled in the study. Their age, gender, comorbid factors, symptoms, surgical methods and follow up were evaluated. Results Of all patients, 20 (41.7%) had total pneumothorax and 28 (58.3%) had partial pneumothorax. In 31 patients (64.6%) pneumothorax was observed for the first time while 17 patients (35.4%) had recurrent pneumothoraces. There were 26 (54.2%) left sided pneumothorax and 22 (45.8%) right sided pneumothorax. Among the avaialble treatment options, 38 patients were treated with tube thoracostomy, 5 with pleurodesis, and 6 with ligation of bullae in our group. Conclusions Treatment of pneumothorax should aim to prevent recurrence. Pleurodesis and surgical intervention should follow tube thoracostomy whenever needed. It is important to choose interventions that shorten the duration of hospital stay and improve patient's comfort. In recurrent pneumothorax cases, pleurodesis or pleurectomy must be performed in addition to tube thoracostomy.