Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

Pneumothorax is defined as accumulation of air in the pleural space with secondary collapse of underlying lung. The right main bronchus is wider, shorter and more vertical than left main bronchus.

There is no data available regarding the propensity of one lung for pneumothorax due to anatomical differences between the Right & Left Lung & Main Bronchus.

The randomised study was designed to look at the epidemiological profile of patients with presenting with pneumothorax, compare which side is more commonly involved in spontaneous pneumothorax and the outcome of Needle aspiration vs Tube thoracostomy.

All patients presenting with pneumothorax were included in this prospective study. The age, sex, the predisposing factors, side of lung involvement & outcome were studied. The patients who had Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (PPS) or Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (SSP) with stable vitals were subjected to Simple Needle Aspiration (18 Gauze Ven Floen with 3 way, IV set and under water seal etc,) while in others tube thoracostomy was done.

Total of 59 cases were studied over a period of 2 years. The male to female ratio was 2.6: 1. The most common age group was 46–55 years. In our study we observed that 35 (59.3%) patients had right side involvement while 24 (40.6%) had pneumothorax on the left sided. All Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (n=3) were noted to be on right side. Out of the 56 Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax, 32 were on right side and among these 6 were successful treated with needle aspiration.

Spontaneous pneumothorax is more common on right side. Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax can be successfully treated initially with Needle Aspiration. Patients with secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax who are hemodynamically stable can be given a trial of Needle Aspiration prior to Tube thoracostomy.