Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on spontaneous pneumothorax

Aim: Deterioration of lung parenchyma due to COVID-19 infection is considered to be responsible for the development of spontaneous pneumothorax (SP). This study aimed to compare the clinical and epidemiological features of SP diagnosed in pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Material and Methods: Patients who developed SP before and during the pandemic were comparatively analyzed in terms of age, gender, side of SP, type of initial treatment such as observation or chest tube insertion, requirement of additional surgery and duration of hospital stay. Results: Cases who encountered SP in the pandemic were older, required chest tubes at admission to the hospital more frequently, and stayed longer. Moreover, patients infected with COVID-19 received a higher number of subsequent surgical interventions. Discussion: Timely interventions and careful follow-up are critical to overcome the potential complications and mortality from developing SP during the COVID-19 pandemic.