Prise en charge du pneumothorax en ambulatoire

Pneumothorax can be classified into three categories: spontaneous, traumatic or iatrogenic. Spontaneous pneumothoraxes are classified in primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP). This article will focus only on spontaneous pneumothorax. Treatment methods are multiple (abstention, monitoring, exsufflation, thoracic drainage, thoracic surgery) with différent issues for the physician and the patient regarding the choice of treatment. In accordance with the recommendations of the British Thoracic Society, exsufflation is the first-line treatment for PSP. However, thèse recommendations are poorly followed because of a lack of knowledge, training, equipment availability and literature data. The exsufflation treatment, if it is simplified and adapted to emergency services could allow ambulatory care, providing better comfort for the patient and lower cost for society. Two first French studies were carried out and are in favor of this treatment.