Need Advice

[NNameb]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I had surgery (pleurodesis) to prevent a future pneumothorax on my lung, but since the surgery I have had a small permanent pneumothorax. I have had it for more than 6 months and it will not go away. Doctors said to just take OTC pain medication, but this doesn't help at all.

I had this procedure done on my other lung and did not end up with a permanent pneumothorax so I think they did something wrong.

 

[ecmst12]

A surgery can be unsuccessful even if the doctor does everything right.

 

[lya]

maybe the pleurodesis is holding the layers together in such a manner that the tiny hole is of no consequence.

There has to be a serious underlying medical condition going on in this scenario and much information lacking (and not needed to be revealed) in this question/thread.

 

[LAWMED]

Reading between the lines, I assume you had the pleurodesis for recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax rather than malignant pleural effusion (cancer and fluid around the lung). You also seemed to be concerned over the small pneumothorax and mention taking OTC pain medication for it. Small pneumos (<15%) generally are not of concern and do not cause pain. Pleurodesis itself can cause lingering post procedure pain. When you say you had surgery are you referring to something more than insertion of a chest tube through which the pleurodesis would have been done?

SO: What is your concern? Just knowing the pneumo is there? Or are you having pain, shortness of breath or other symptoms? What was your underlying diagnosis which required this procedure?

A small, lingering pneumo is a known, acceptable complication.