ABSTRACT
Introduction
Pneumothorax is defined as the presence of air in the pleural space. Spontaneous pneumothorax, occurring without antecedent traumatic or iatrogenic cause, is classified as primary or secondary. There are substantial inconsistencies in international guidelines for the treatment of pneumothorax. Moreover, many geographical variations exist in daily clinical practice.
Areas covered
In this article, we focus on novel treatment modalities for this significant health problem in young adults.
Expert opinion
In part, these discrepancies have been caused by the lack of high-quality trials or evidence. Currently, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying pneumothorax are better understood and have implications for clinical management. Studies have demonstrated that the judicious use of pleurodesis can decrease its rate of recurrence, both in surgical and nonsurgical patients.
Declaration of interest
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
Reviewer disclosures
Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclosure.