A case of bilateral giant bullae treated by one-stage bilateral resection throurgh median sternotomy *
We experienced a case of multiple bilateral giant bullae of the lungs and treated them in one-stage by bilateral resection with median sternotomy. A 51-year-old man was admitted to our hospital on a diagnosis of bilateral giant bullae of the lungs. A chest CT scan and lung perfusion Scintigraphy revealed giant bullae at the apex of both lungs and in the left lower lobe. We considered that one-stage surgical treatment was strongly indicated in this case, because the remnant lungs were almost normal and were expected to expand again. We performed a bilateral resection simultaneously in one-stage through a median sternotomy because the bullae were mainly on the mediastinal side and their border Was relatively unclear due to pleural adhesion. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 32nd day postoperatively. A chest CT scan, lung perfusion Scintigraphy, and a pulmonary function test performed two months postoperatively showed remarkable improvement. We recommend the surgical approach by median sternotomy in the case of bilateral giant bullae which are considered to have intense pleural adhesion and which are mainly on the mediastinal side. (Accepted on August 5, 2000) Kawasaki Igakkaishi 26 (3) : 161- 165. 2000
