Does a Collapsed Lung Require Surgery?

A collapsed lung is a serious medical condition. It can happen suddenly and cause sharp chest pain and difficulty in breathing. If you or someone close to you is diagnosed with a collapsed lung, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “Does this require surgery?”

The answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on how serious the collapse is, what caused it, and how your body responds to treatment.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about a collapsed lung, when surgery is needed, and how doctors decide the best treatment plan.

What Is a Collapsed Lung?

A collapsed lung is also known as a pneumothorax. This happens when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall. This air puts pressure on the lung and causes it to collapse.

Your lungs need room to expand when you breathe. When air fills the space outside the lung, the lung can no longer expand properly, and this leads to breathing problems.

Types of Collapsed Lung

There are different types of pneumothorax. Understanding which type you have helps doctors decide whether surgery is needed.

1. Spontaneous Pneumothorax

This can happen without any clear reason. It’s more common in:

• Tall, thin young people
• Smokers
• People with lung diseases

There are two typesPrimary spontaneous pneumothorax (occurs in healthy people)

• Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (happens in people with existing lung problems like COPD or asthma)

2. Traumatic Pneumothorax

This is caused by injury. It could be from:

• A car accident
• A fall
• A stab or gunshot wound
• Broken ribs

3. Tension Pneumothorax

This is the most dangerous type. It happens when air enters the chest cavity and cannot escape. The pressure keeps building, pushing the lung and even the heart. This is a medical emergency and often requires immediate surgery.

Also read: Pneumothorax Treatment Recovery: How Long Before Symptoms Go Away?

Symptoms of a Collapsed Lung

The symptoms can vary based on how much of the lung has collapsed. Common signs include:

• Sudden sharp chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fast breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Feeling of tightness in the chest
• Coughing
• Fatigue or dizziness

If the lung collapse is large or causes tension, the symptoms are more severe, and emergency care is needed.

How Is a Collapsed Lung Diagnosed?

Doctors usually begin with a physical exam and then do tests like:

• Chest X-ray: Shows how much the lung has collapsed
• CT Scan: Gives more detailed images
• Ultrasound: Sometimes used in emergencies

Your doctor will also ask about your medical history, smoking habits, injuries, or past lung problems.

Does Every Collapsed Lung Need Surgery?

Not always. The treatment depends on:

• The size of the collapse
• The cause of the collapse
• Your overall health
• Whether it’s the first time or a repeat occurrence

Let’s look at the different treatment options.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

1. Observation (Watchful Waiting)

For a small pneumothorax without major symptoms, doctors may simply monitor you. Your body can sometimes reabsorb the air on its own in a few days.

You might be:

• Given oxygen to help your body absorb the air faster
• Asked to rest and avoid physical activity
• Checked regularly with X-rays to see if the lung is healing

This is usually the approach for a first-time, small primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

2. Needle Aspiration

If there’s more air trapped, your doctor may insert a needle into your chest to remove the air. This helps the lung re-expand. This procedure is done under local anesthesia and usually doesn’t take long.

3. Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy)

In larger pneumothorax cases, a chest tube is inserted through your side into the pleural space. This tube allows the trapped air to escape and gives your lung room to expand again. You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days while this tube does its job.

When Is Surgery Required for a Collapsed Lung?

There are situations where surgery becomes necessary. Let’s look at some of the most common ones:

1. Recurrent Collapsed Lung

If your lung collapses more than once, doctors usually recommend surgery to prevent it from happening again.

2. Large or Non-Healing Pneumothorax

If a chest tube or needle does not fix the issue within a few days, surgery may be needed to seal the leak or remove damaged parts of the lung.

3. Tension Pneumothorax

This is an emergency. It often requires immediate surgical drainage or repair to save your life.

4. Underlying Lung Disease

If you have a collapsed lung due to chronic lung disease, surgery might help reduce future risks and improve lung function.

What Kind of Surgery Is Done?

The most common surgery for a collapsed lung is:

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

• A minimally invasive procedure
• Small cuts are made, and a tiny camera is used
• Surgeons can find the air leak, remove damaged lung tissue (called blebs), and close the leak

This surgery is safer and involves a quicker recovery than traditional open chest surgery.

Pleurodesis

In some cases, the surgeon will do a pleurodesis. This is a procedure where the lung is attached to the chest wall using medicine or by scratching the pleural lining. It helps prevent future lung collapses.

Recovery After Surgery

Most people stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery. Full recovery takes a few weeks. You’ll need to:

• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a while
• Stop smoking if you haven’t already
• Follow up with your doctor for imaging and checkups

Complications from surgery are rare but may include infection, pain, or a small chance of the lung collapsing again.

Can You Prevent a Collapsed Lung?

Not always, but you can reduce your risk by:

• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding activities that cause sudden changes in air pressure (e.g., scuba diving, flying in unpressurized cabins)
• Treating lung diseases early
• Using protective gear if your job involves physical risk

If you’ve had a collapsed lung before, discuss with your doctor what activities to avoid in the future.

Conclusion

So, does a collapsed lung require surgery? The answer depends on the size, cause, and whether it happens more than once. Many people recover without surgery, especially if it’s a small and first-time event. But in serious or repeat cases, surgery can be life-saving and prevent future problems.

If you experience symptoms of a collapsed lung—like sudden chest pain or trouble breathing, seek medical help immediately. Dr Harsh Vardan Puri can assess your condition and decide the best course of treatment.

With proper care and the right medical advice, most people recover fully from a collapsed lung and return to normal life.