title: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax: treatment practices in Australia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to determine treatment practices for spontaneous pneumothorax (PTX) in Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire regarding treatment of PTX was posted to all medically qualified members of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand resident in Australia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-three per cent (n = 226) of questionnaires were returned. Twenty-one responses were judged to be informal and rejected from analysis. The results indicate a general agreement in the treatment of small and large PTX but a wide variation in PTX of intermediate size.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Opinion regarding the optimal treatment for PTX of intermediate size was found to vary considerably. There is a need for evidence-based development and publication of best practice guidelines for PTX.
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sutherland
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Burdon
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hart
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D013396:Suction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires