Successful operation for emphysematous giant bulla after intracavitary suction with a balloon catheter ; a case report

Abstract

A 49-year-old male with complaints of left chest pain and dyspnea was admitted to our hospital. His X-rays and CT scan showed a right emphysematous giant bulla and multiple left emphysematous bullae. The right thoracic cavity was occupied almost entirely by the giant bulla. Intracavitary suction with a balloon catheter was applied to the right giant bulla to expand the compressed right lung. Intracavitary suction was continued for three weeks until the right middle and lower lobes were reexpanded. Bullectomy and pneumorraphy were then performed successfully.
This procedure is a useful way to determine whether or not compressed lung tissue can be expanded after removal of a bulla.