Intracavitary Drainage Followed by Lobectomy for a Giant Bulla Causing Respiratory Failure due to Severe Mediastinal Compression: A Case Report

Key Points

• To report a case of severe respiratory failure due to a giant emphysematous bulla and its surgical treatment approach.
• Emergency intracavitary drainage performed to alleviate respiratory distress.
• Elective right upper lobectomy following initial drainage to remove the bulla.
• Immediate improvement in respiratory function after intracavitary drainage.
• Successful removal of the bulla with lobectomy, resolving mediastinal compression.