[Transaxillary thoracotomy in surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax]

Spontaneous pneumothorax in young individuals is due to rupture of apical bullae in the majority of cases. At operative treatment for spontaneous pneumothorax in young individuals in whom radiography of the thorax has not revealed evidence of bullous emphysema or other pathological changes in the lungs, it is therefore rational to employ a transaxillary incision which renders possible resection of bullae and mechanical pleurodesis. Compared with operation via a postero-lateral thoracotomy, which is the standard operative technique in Denmark, the morbidity is lower in transaxillary thoracotomy and the cosmetic result is much more satisfactory. The respiratory muscles are spared, pulmonary function is normal after operation, duration of hospitalization is briefer and the transaxillary incision is therefore preferable in young individuals with spontaneous pneumothorax.