RT Book, Section A1 Cerfolio, Robert J. A2 Sugarbaker, David J. A2 Bueno, Raphael A2 Burt, Bryan M. A2 Groth, Shawn S. A2 Loor, Gabriel A2 Wolf, Andrea S. A2 Williams, Marcia A2 Adams, Ann SR Print(0) ID 1170414678 T1 Pneumothorax and Pneumomediastinum T2 Sugarbaker’s Adult Chest Surgery, 3e YR 2020 FD 2020 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9781260026931 LK accesssurgery.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1170414678 RD 2024/04/20 AB Pneumothorax is defined as air in the pleural space and is commonly seen after thoracic surgery. Pneumomediastinum is defined as air in the mediastinum and is quite rare. Despite their differences, the principles used to treat these two conditions are similar. Successful management requires a thorough understanding of the thoracic anatomy and pathophysiologic mechanisms that cause these conditions. Pneumothorax may signal a life-threatening condition, and pneumomediastinum may be a sign of an innocuous problem that requires no treatment. This chapter provides an overview of the incidence, causes, pathophysiology, symptoms, radiologic signs, diagnostic evaluation, and, most importantly, the techniques for treatment of both pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum.