Emergent bullectomy in a patient with severe bullous emphysema receiving mechanical ventilatory assistance

This case report concerns a 29-year-old man with severe bullous disease who was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. The patient underwent emergency bullectomy and was subsequently successfully weaned from the ventilator. He continues to do well 38 months after the surgery. This case demonstrates that bullectomy, even in a patient receiving mechanical ventilatory assistance, can be a lifesaving operation.