Pneumothorax, verdict – surgery

Quote:
A pneumothorax occurs when air escapes from the lungs or leaks through the chest wall and enters the space between the two membranes (pleural cavity). As air builds up, it causes the nearby lung to collapse.

This is the 2nd time I got pneumothorax, with the previous one healed partially. Went to the specialist today. He advised me to go for surgery to fix the problem once and for good. Although there are chances that the other unaffected lung may get pneumothorax too.

And also a letter to Medical Officer in charge

Letter:

5 August 2004

To: Medical- Officer in charge

From: Dr Noel Stanley Tay

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SXXXXXXXF

The above mentioned is on follow-up at the Department of Respiratory, Tan Tock Seng Hospital for the problem of persistent right left pnemothorax.

He first presented on 6 July with left-sided chest pain,

Chest X-ray showed right left pneumothorax. This was aspirated at the A&E and repeat CXR showed reduction in size and was discharged from A&E.

He was reviewed on 21 July 2004 and this showed further improvement.

However, patient developed chest pain again on 29 July 2004 whilst during physical activity and repeat CXR showed worsening of right left pneumothorax.

Clinically, patient has marfanoid habitus and hyperextensible joints.

He was reviewed again on 5 August 2004 and this showed partial resolution of pneumothorax.

In view of this persistent right left pneumothorax with increased risk of recurrence, I have referred him to the cardiothoracic surgeon for assessment of surgery.

Meanwhile, patient should refrain from all physical activity
For your information.

<signature> … </signature>
Dr Noel Stanley Tay
Registrar
Department of Respiratory Medicine
Tan Tock Seng Hospital