The evaluation of the treatment results in patients with a small closed pneumothorax.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the methods and results of the treatment of patients with a small closed pneumothorax.

Material and methods: The results of the treatment of 34 patients hospitalized for trauma in 2000-2010 due to a small closed pneumothorax were assessed. There were 23 men and 11 women. The age of the patients ranged from 20-84 years (av. 48.5). 15 patients had trauma affecting the right side, and 19 had left side trauma. In 10 cases the pneumothorax was associated with multiple trauma. In 24 cases fracture of the ribs (av. 3.4) was revealed in radiological examination. In 10 patients radiographs did not show fracture of the ribs (in 5 of these patients, a clinical trial indicated a fracture of one rib, not visible on x-ray). The size of the pneumothorax in chest radiographic anterior-posterior projection ranged from 0.5-2 cm (av. 1.2). Conservative treatment was monitored through radiological examination.

Results: In 33 patients spontaneous pneumothorax resorption was observed. In one patient it was necessary to apply pleural drainage due to the enlargement of the pneumothorax and the appearance of symptoms of respiratory failure. In one case it was necessary to puncture the pleural cavity to remove a hematoma occurring along with the pneumothorax. Good results of treatment were achieved in all cases.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the conservative treatment of a small closed pneumothorax is effective in most cases.