Spontaneous pneumothorax management

Summary BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the current practice habits among clinicians treating primary spontaneous pneumothorax. METHODS: Practice habits were investigated in 55 pulmonologists, 75 general surgeons, 23 thoracic surgeons, all were chiefs of their respective departments, by a postal survey. The mail contained a cover letter requesting the recipients' participation and explaining the purpose of the research and a survey questionnaire. RESULTS: Ninety-seven respondents (63%) included 28 pulmonologists (28/55, 52%), 48 general surgeons (49/75, 64%) and 20 thoracic surgeons (20/23, 87%). Sixty-nine respondents treat first primary spontaneous pneumothorax with chest tube, 25% by simple observation and 6% by aspiration. Seventy four percent of respondents insert chest tube in the second intercostal space midclavicular line and 22% in the fourth intercostal space midaxillary line. Nearly 71% of pulmonologists use