Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
pneumothorax
Pronunciation: NEW-mo-THOR-aks
Accumulation of air in the pleural space, a potential complication of thoracoscopic procedures.
Full Definition
Pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleural space between the lung and chest wall, causing partial or complete lung collapse. In minimally invasive thoracic surgery, pneumothorax can occur as an intended effect (therapeutic pneumothorax) to improve surgical visualization, or as an unintended complication. Post-operative pneumothorax may result from air leaks at surgical sites or incomplete lung re-expansion. Recognition and management are critical aspects of thoracoscopic surgery care.
Usage
Usage note: Not hyphenated; plural form is pneumothoraces, though pneumothoraxes is acceptable in clinical writing.
In Context
- "Post-operative chest X-ray revealed a small pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement." — Recovery room notes
- "Controlled pneumothorax was created to facilitate VATS visualization." — Anesthesia record
Also known as
collapsed lung
pleural air collection
Contrasted with
lung expansion
pleural adhesion
Don't confuse with
pleural effusion
hemothorax
empyema