Pneumothorax. Overview and current therapeutic options.

Overview

The article offers an overview of the classification of pneumothoraxes, their pathophysiology, clinical symptoms, diagnostic approaches and treatment. The evaluation of pneumothorax size and contribution of different diagnostic tools are also dealt with. Common complications of the disease and the problem of relapses are mentioned. Therapeutic approaches based on the different types and sizes of pneumothoraxes and underlying diseases are described in detail. The specific treatment options and trends including observation, evacuation of pneumothorax (via thoracocentesis or drainage), surgical treatment and also the criteria for chemical or mechanical pleurodesis according to the American Thoracic Society/ European Respiratory Society guidelines are outlined. Less common therapeutic approaches, such as autohemopleurodesis and radiotherapy, are also mentioned.

Key words:
pneumotorax, thoracocentesis, drainage, surgical procedures, pleurodesis.