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(Created page with "'''Pneumothorax''' (PTX) refers to the presence of air in the pleural space, between the lung and the chest wall. It may happen spontaneously or secondary to emphysema, lung abscess or a fractured rib. The pressure in the pleural cavity is normally negative to allow the lungs to expand in it. When it suddenly becomes filled with air the pressure in the pleural cavity will become equal with atmospheric pressure, causing the lung to collapse. '''Tension pneumoth...") |
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Surgical treatment may be required in repeated spontaneous pneumothorax, or pneumothorax refractory to standard treatment. Surgery involves bullectomy to treat the underlying cause and applying pleurodesis (fusion of the parietal and visceral pleura, obliterating the space for air to enter). Pleurodesis may be performed mechanically, by literally sandpapering the pleura, or chemically, by applying talc or [[bleomycin]]. In case of both mechanical and chemical pleurodesis, the pleural membrane becomes inflamed, leading to fibrosis of both visceral and parietal pleura, causing them to adhere to each other, closing the pleural space. | Surgical treatment may be required in repeated spontaneous pneumothorax, or pneumothorax refractory to standard treatment. Surgery involves bullectomy to treat the underlying cause and applying pleurodesis (fusion of the parietal and visceral pleura, obliterating the space for air to enter). Pleurodesis may be performed mechanically, by literally sandpapering the pleura, or chemically, by applying talc or [[bleomycin]]. In case of both mechanical and chemical pleurodesis, the pleural membrane becomes inflamed, leading to fibrosis of both visceral and parietal pleura, causing them to adhere to each other, closing the pleural space. | ||
[[Category:Thoracic surgery]] | <noinclude>[[Category:Thoracic surgery]]</noinclude> |