11th January 2024

A 57-year-old gentleman with COPD presents to the Emergency Department with shortness of breath.

A 57-year-old gentleman with COPD presents to the Emergency Department with shortness of breath. He is subsequently diagnosed with a left-sided pneumothorax, his third episode in the last 12 months. An intercostal chest drain is inserted, and he improves symptomatically. 

His COPD is treated with Trelegy 1 puff OD, Salbutamol nebulisers 5mg QDS and long-term oxygen therapy 2L 24 hours a day. He lives at home alone and has carers four times a day and is mainly bed or chair-bound due to his severe shortness of breath on any mobilising. 

What is the most appropriate definitive management strategy for his pneumothoraces? 

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.