Pneumothorax and Surgical Approaches: How Can You Protect Your Lung Health?

Pneumothorax is a serious health problem that requires urgent intervention. This condition can cause partial or complete collapse of the lungs as a result of abnormal air leakage into the chest cavity. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, symptoms and especially surgical treatment methods of pneumothorax.

Causes and Symptoms of Pneumothorax:

Pneumothorax can occur for a variety of reasons, including trauma, certain medical procedures, or lung diseases. Symptoms may include severe chest pain, shortness of breath and rapid pulse. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent complications.

Surgical Treatment Approaches:

Surgical intervention is the preferred treatment method, especially in cases of recurrent or severe pneumothorax. There are three main surgical approaches:

• Tube Thoracostomy: It is the process of placing a drain into the chest under local anesthesia. It is generally the first treatment method for pneumothorax. After tube placement, the air leak in the lung is expected to close spontaneously. If it does not close within 5-7 days or if the disease recurs even if it closes, it is necessary to switch to other treatment methods.
• Thoracotomy: This method involves making an incision in the chest wall and repairing the lung lining. Although it is preferred in severe and recurrent cases, it is now less preferred since closed methods are used.
• Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): A less invasive method, VATS is performed with the help of small incisions and a camera. Recovery time is shorter and the risk of complications is lower.
•  Robotic Surgery: It is the closed procedure performed in open surgery with multiple 1cm incisions. It offers less pain, faster recovery and more aesthetic surgery.

Post-Surgery Recovery Process:

The recovery process after surgery varies depending on the patient's general health condition and the type of surgical intervention. The patient may stay in the hospital for a few days after the operation and may need to rest at home afterwards. Regular checkups and follow-up treatments are an important part of the recovery process.

Prevention and Risk Management:

Preventing pneumothorax is possible by managing risk factors. It is important to avoid smoking, early diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, and avoiding high-risk activities.

If pneumothorax is not treated in a timely and effective manner, it may recur and lead to serious health problems. Surgical interventions, especially robotic surgery, offer an effective solution in recurrent or severe cases. Regular health checks and healthy lifestyle choices are important to protect your lung health and reduce the risk of pneumothorax.