A Modified Brompton Technique for the Treatment of Giant Bulla in Patients with Diffuse Emphysema

Abstract

Four patients with diffuse emphysema and a giant bulla were treated by a modified Brompton technique using a mushroom catheter and low suction. There was no mortality although one patient developed a troublesome pulmonary infection. All the patients had significant symptomatic improvement with a mean dyspnoea index changing from 3.5 before operation to 2.25 afterwards. We concluded that the modified Brompton technique is a safe and simple alternative in treating a giant bulla associated with diffuse emphysema.

Keywords

giant bulla - diffuse emphysema - Brompton technique

• References

• 1 Dartevelle P, Macchiarini P, Chapelier A. Operative technique of bullectomy. Chest Surg Clin N Am 1995; 5 (4) 735-749
• 2 Macarthur AM, Fountain SW. Intracavity suction and drainage in the treatment of emphysematous bullae. Thorax 1977; 32 (6) 668-672
• 3 Stenton C. The MRC breathlessness scale. Occup Med (Lond) 2008; 58 (3) 226-227
• 4 Schipper PH, Meyers BF, Battafarano RJ, Guthrie TJ, Patterson GA, Cooper JD. Outcomes after resection of giant emphysematous bullae. Ann Thorac Surg 2004; 78 (3) 976-982, discussion 976–982
• 5 Monaldi V. Endocavitary aspiration; its practical applications. Tubercle 1947; 28 (11) 223-228