How to treat recurrence of pneumothorax? Teach you four methods

Pneumothorax is a disease that often occurs in many people. Generally speaking, after people find out that they have pneumothorax, there is still a possibility of recurrence after effective treatment. So, how to treat the recurrence of pneumothorax?

1. Oxygen

It can increase the gas pressure gradient between the pleural cavity and tissues, and while promoting the absorption of nitrogen, it also promotes the absorption of other gases in the pleural cavity. Therefore, oxygen inhalation is a basic measure for the treatment of pneumothorax, and the usual oxygen intake is 2l/min.

2. Simple air extraction

After local disinfection and anesthesia, a small catheter is inserted between the 4th and 5th intercostal spaces on the anterior axillary line and connected to a three-way connector. Vacuum is then pumped until no more gas can be pumped out or a sudden cough occurs. The disadvantage is that it cannot prevent recurrence of pneumothorax. Patients who fail suction therapy should be treated with a chest tube.

3. Closed chest tube drainage

Closed chest tube drainage is simple and easy to perform. It is suitable for most patients who have failed simple suction treatment. It is currently the most commonly used method for treating various pneumothorax.

4. Surgical treatment

Thoracotomy or thoracoscopic surgery combined with other operations is the main means to prevent the recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax. If mechanical friction of the pleura is performed during thoracotomy or pleural dissection is performed, the recurrence rate of pneumothorax can be reduced to 2~5% and 1%, respectively. The purpose of both operations is to eliminate bullae and promote healing of the fissure. Indications include: persistent air leak; recurrent pneumothorax; spontaneous bilateral pneumothorax; first-time pneumothorax in patients with high-risk occupations, such as divers or pilots.