Management of spontaneous pneumothorax during pregnancy: case report and review of the literature.

Spontaneous pneumothorax rarely occurs during pregnancy. Only 22 nonmalignancy-related cases have been previously published. Herein we report a case of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax during the third trimester of pregnancy that necessitated surgical intervention. At thoracotomy, a large bulla was excised from the lower lobe of the right lung; abrasive pleurodesis was subsequently done. Postoperatively, the patient had regular contractions, which were successfully stopped with intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate. Indications, procedures, and pre-cautions for operative intervention during pregnancy are discussed.