Intrabronchial Pneumonectomy for Vanishing Lung Syndrome: First Reported Case

Vanishing lung syndrome is a clinical presentation of giant bullous emphysema associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We present a case of a 50-year-old white woman with vanishing lung syndrome who presented with a spontaneous secondary pneumothorax and an uncontrolled bronchopleural fistula. The large bronchopleural fistula was initially controlled with a double-lumen endotracheal tube and a tube thoracostomy. After surgical efforts failed, complete left lung isolation was performed with multiple intrabronchial valves. In essence, a medical pneumonectomy was performed. The patient was weaned from mechanical ventilation and discharged to rehabilitation. She was ambulatory at 5-month follow-up.