Risk Factors for the Failure of Non-surgical Treatment in Pneumothorax

Few studies have thoroughly investigated the factors influencing the clinical course of pneumothorax at each stage of treatment. This study aimed to address this gap by examining these factors.

We conducted a single-center retrospective study involving patients with pneumothorax aged 20 years or older admitted to our hospital. Patients were divided into two groups: those successfully treated with chest tube drainage alone (Group A) and those who required additional treatment (Group B). Excluding patients requiring surgical treatment, patients in Group B were subsequently divided into two groups: those successfully treated with non-surgical secondary treatments (Group C) and those who were not (Group D). Clinical factors were compared between Groups A and B and between Groups C and D.

Three hundred and ninety-five patients were included in this analysis. A comparison between Group A (148 patients) and B (247 patients) revealed significant differences in the presence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) (6.1% vs. 13.8%, p < 0.05) and pneumothorax history (20.4% vs. 42.5%, p < 0.05). Among patients in Group B, 172 underwent surgery as the next treatment, while 75 received non-surgical treatment after chest tube drainage. Significant differences were observed between Group C (27 patients) and D (48 patients) in heavy smoking history (33.3% vs. 62.5%, p < 0.05) and presence of ILD (25.9% vs. 52.1%, p < 0.05).

Patients with a history of ILD are more likely to require additional treatment after chest tube drainage.