The exact pathogenesis of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) remains unknown. Furthermore, various specialists including pulmonologists, surgeons, emergency care physicians, radiologists and others are known to treat this disorder in clinical practice. As a consequence, guidelines on the management of PSP are scarce, and differences in treatment approaches persist. In this paper, evidence on the pathogenesis and on various treatment techniques and strategies is reviewed. An algorithmic treatment approach is proposed.
Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel