Lung Bullae Excision is a rare condition in children. Bullae are abnormal air-filled sacs within the lung tissue. They usually develop due to congenital conditions or certain lung diseases. Sometimes, bullae can rupture spontaneously without any underlying disease or trauma. This rupture causes severe chest pain and leads to pneumothorax, which is the accumulation of air in the chest cavity. Pneumothorax causes severe shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and pain. If not diagnosed and treated early, the child may be unable to breathe, which can be life-threatening. It is most commonly seen in children aged 14 to 17 years.

Treatment

The first step in emergency treatment is to insert a chest tube to remove the air from the chest cavity, relieve breathing difficulty, and eliminate the immediate life threat.

Afterwards, a lung CT scan is performed to identify the source of the problem. The location of any other bullae in the lungs should also be determined. After these evaluations, the bullae should be surgically removed to prevent recurrence. If left untreated, other bullae may rupture causing the same problem again. Untreated cases may also experience lung infections and permanent impairment of lung function.

Following emergency intervention, surgical treatment should be planned. Bullae removal can be performed using open surgery or thoracoscopic (minimally invasive) methods. Minimally invasive surgery should be the first choice due to its advantages, including less pain, no visible scarring, and faster return to daily activities.

Possible Complications

During or after surgery, complications such as prolonged air leakage from the lung, wound infection, bleeding, and breathing difficulties may occur. These complications are very rare and most resolve without further surgical intervention.

Early diagnosis and timely, appropriate treatment reduce complication risks and support healthy recovery. If your child experiences sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, please seek immediate care at a pediatric emergency unit.

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