First Episode of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Who and How to Treat?

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is common and affects young and active patients. Guidelines are accurate about diagnosis and treatment indications, but the initial optimal management remains unclear. Smoking is the main risk factor and smoking cessation must be systematically advised. If simple surveillance is acceptable for small PSP and/or paucisymptomatic patient with PSP, exsufflation or hospitalization with chest tube drainage remains the standard treatment in other situations. Ambulatory management is possible and could become the next standard of care.