Recurrent bilateral pneumothorax.

A 71-year-old male with a history of coronary artery bypass surgery 7 years ago underwent a transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy of a pulmonary nodule in the right lung. Three hours later, the patient complained of dyspnea and left sided thoracic pain. The chest x-ray showed bilateral apical pneumothoraces. A second chest x-ray two hours later showed an increase in pneumothorax size on the left side. An intercostal drainage tube (size 24 French) was inserted into the fourth intercostal space on the X side and continuous suction was applied with 20 cm H2O. One day later, the chest x-ray revealed resolution on both sides with only minimal residual bilateral pneumothoraces. There was no air leak and hence the chest tube was removed. Histology revealed a non small cell lung cancer and a lobectomy was performed. At the second postoperative day a chylothorax was diagnosed because of elevated triglycerides. Parenteral nutrition was begun and the quantity of drained effusion diminished. Nine days after successful lobectomy the patient accidentally removed the chest tube and bilateral pneumothoraces were seen in the x-ray again.