Consider Conservative Approach Rather Than Intervening in Moderate to Large Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Abstract

To the Editor: We noted the article on outcomes of needle aspiration versus chest tube placement for primary spontaneous pneumothorax by Tupchong.

We agree with Tupchong that the evidence in regard to the optimal management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax is limited and that chest tube placement is sometimes chosen because of unjustified fear of tension pneumothorax and is associated with significant adverse events. The article appropriately raises the question of how a less invasive approach such as needle aspiration performs in patients with moderate to large primary spontaneous pneumothorax.