Spontaneous resolution of massive laparoscopy-associated pneumothorax: the case of the bulging diaphragm and review of the literature.

A massive left-side pneumothorax was identified intraoperatively on the basis of bulging left hemidiaphragm toward the end of an uncomplicated laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. There were no changes in ventilatory or hemodynamic parameters. The pneumothorax was observed, and nearly total spontaneous resolution occurred in the recovery room within 1 hour.