Pneumothorax, Bullous Disease, and Emphysema

van Berkel, Victor; Kuo, Elbert; Meyers, Bryan F.

This article addresses several distinct but related pulmonary conditions that are commonly referred to general thoracic surgeons for decision making and management. The management of various types of pneumothorax is reviewed, with particular attention to the selection of the appropriate level of surgical intervention. The related entities of bullous lung disease and diffuse emphysema are discussed, with a focus on the identification of appropriate circumstances for surgical intervention. The summarized work and the treatment recommendations are supported with an extensive bibliography of important work in this area.