Understanding Pneumopexy: A Medical Procedure for Diagnosis and Treatment

Pneumopexy is a medical procedure that involves injecting air or gas into the pleural space (the space between the lungs and the chest wall) to help expand the lung and improve breathing. The procedure is often used to diagnose and treat conditions such as pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and lung collapse.

During the procedure, a needle is inserted through the chest wall and into the pleural space. Once the needle is in place, air or gas is injected into the space to inflate the lung and help expand the pleural cavity. This can help to:

* Diagnose pneumothorax: By injecting air or gas into the pleural space, the doctor can determine if there is air in the space and confirm the diagnosis of pneumothorax.
* Treat pleural effusion: Pneumopexy can help to drain excess fluid from the pleural space and improve breathing.
* Treat lung collapse: By inflating the lung, pneumopexy can help to restore normal lung function and improve breathing.

Pneumopexy is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete. The procedure is generally safe, but there are some risks associated with it, such as infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby organs or structures. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with you before performing it.