Pneumothorax is a condition where air gets trapped between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse partially or fully. This can make breathing difficult and painful.
Pneumothorax can also occur along with other conditions, and in some cases, is associated with trauma or complication of a medical procedure.
Other Variations of Pneumothorax:
If not treated promptly, the severity of pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition, can vary. In some cases, the accumulating air can even cause pressure on the heart, pushing it across the chest cavity. This can lead to serious complications, making quick medical intervention crucial.
Pneumothorax is generally diagnosed by using Chest X-ray.
In cases of suspected secondary pneumothorax, Computerised Tomography (CT) Scan may be needed to provide more detailed images.
Seek immediate medical attention if breathing becomes increasingly difficult. Surgical repair is required when there is:
Treatment for pneumothorax usually involves inserting a needle or chest tube between the ribs to remove the excess air. However, a small pneumothorax may heal on its own.
Surgical treatment for pneumothorax has become increasingly refined, given moden advances such as the development of minimally invasive techniques, which demotes less trauma and burden to patients. A leading example of this approach is Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (UVATS) - allows lung surgery to be performed with just a single 3cm cut. NUHCS is proud to be the only centre in Singapore with a full team of thoracic surgeons experienced in this single-incision surgery.
UVATS offers several key benefits:
There are also other types of surgeries for pneumothorax, based on the cause.
Overall, the type of surgical treatment depends on the patient's age, health and the specific issues with the lungs.
At NUHCS, most surgeries are minimally invasive - performed through a small 3cm incision, allowing patients to be discharged within a day or two after the procedure. This approach offers several benefits compared to traditional open surgery or multiport video-assisted thoracic surgery, including less post-operative pain, lower chances of pneumonia, and quicker recovering times. Typically, patients can expect to recover nearly completely, both physically and mentally, within two to six weeks after surgery.
However, for those with secondary pneumothorax, recovery may take longer due to underlying chronic lung conditions or other health issues that require ongoing medical treatment.
As pneumothorax carries a risk of recurrence, lifestyle changes are often recommended to reduce the likelihood of future episodes. For many, this means making long-term changes to their habits:
For those without underlying lung disease, recovery is generally quicker, and the risk of further episodes is significantly reduced following surgery. Return to work and getting back to normal activities is allowed once all symptoms
have eased.
Pneumothorax is a common but sometimes overlooked condition. However, with advances in surgery and timely treatment, full recovery and a healthy, active life are possible. The key is catching it early and acting quickly. The journey doesn’t end with treatment, though. By embracing lifestyle changes, you can reduce your chances of recurrence and set the stage for a vibrant, active future.