Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Abstract

True spontaneous pneumothorax results almost exclusively from apical subpleural blebs (or less often, from bullae) in tall, thin adolescent males, sometimes with a smoking history. Secondary pneumothorax may occur in patients with underlying lung disease (e.g., cystic fibrosis, Marfan’s disease, asthma). Surgery is indicated in those who do not respond to conservative measures and in those with recurrence. The minimally invasive approach to spontaneous pneumothorax allows possible surgical cure while minimising the invasiveness, postoperative pain, and chest wall deformity from open surgery. It is relatively simple and may be performed with low-cost instrumentation.