Bullectomy is a surgical procedure in which dilated air-spaces or bullae in lung parenchyma are removed.[1] Common causes of dilated air-spaces include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. Patients with giant bullae filling half the thoracic volume and compressing relatively normal adjacent parenchyma are recommended for bullectomy.[2][3] It is also indicated in severe dyspnea, repeated respiratory infections and spontaneous pneumothorax.[4] The size of dilated air-spaces or bullae volume is the most important factor in relation to ventilator capacity post-bullectomy. In cases where the size of bullae are enlarged, bullectomy is indicated if the percentage of forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1%) is greater than 40% and the regional ventilation over volume dynamic(V/V Dynamic) is greater than 0.5.[5][6]
^Petro, W.; Hübner, C.; Greschuchna, D.; Maassen, W.; Konietzko, N. (1 December 1983). "Bullectomy". The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon. 31 (6): 342–345. doi:10.1055/s-2007-1022015. PMID6198753.
^Chung PH, Wong KK, Lan LC, Tam PK (September 2009). "Thoracoscopic bullectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax in pediatric patients". Pediatric Surgery International. 25 (9): 763–6. doi:10.1007/s00383-009-2432-9. PMID19652983.