title: Transthoracic decompression of emphysematous bulla: a novel experience.
abstract: Emphysematous bullae are closed air containing spaces in lung parenchyma that may severely compromise lung function in patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We describe a simple and minimally invasive procedure to decompress a large emphysematous bullae in a patient with advanced COPD and high surgical risk. Transthoracic decompression of the bulla was accomplished under short-acting anaesthesia and muscle relaxation resulting in significant symptomatic, radiological and functional improvement.
authors: Institute of Pulmocare and Research, Calcutta Medical College, Kolkata, India. parthachest@yahoo.com
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Bhattacharyya
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Bardhan
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Nag
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Mukherjee
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Verma
mesh_terms: D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*