Abstract
We examined 5 cases of catamenial pneumothorax patients out of 43 female pneumothorax patients we operated on since 1982 to 1999. All patients had been subjected to thoracoscopic operation. 4 patients had right pneumothorax and we found many little sized fistulas on diaphragm. In 3 of 4 patients who had diaphragmatic fistulas we closed the fistulas to the extent possible. We performed pleurodesis therapy in all cases and pseudomenopausal (GnRH antagonist) therapy for 4-6 months in 4 cases postoperatively. When we suspect catamenial pneumothorax, we do not hesitate to recommend thoracoscopic operation. If catamenial pneumothorax is diagnosed, we should close any diaphragmatic fistulas and perform pleurodesis and GnRH antagonist therapy.
