Monitoring
There is no established guideline for monitoring patients following resolution of a spontaneous pneumothorax. Patient education is, therefore, an important aspect in the treatment of spontaneous pneumothoraces.
Monitor for complications of chest drain insertion. Visceral injury is the most serious complication, but other more common complications include:[17]
Pain
Intrapleural or wound infection
Drain dislodgement or blockage
Surgical emphysema.
Organise a follow-up chest x-ray after 2 to 4 weeks to monitor resolution of the pneumothorax for all patients who were managed with observation alone or by needle aspiration.[17]
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