Nursing times
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Pneumothorax is the presence of air within the pleural space. The objective of any treatment of pneumothorax, if required, is to remove the air, allowing re-expansion of the lung, to facilitate pleural healing and prevent recurrence. Two clinical trials conducted in the 1960s led to opposing recommendations for the initial management of spontaneous pneumothorax, and a debate has continued since. This literature review examines the evidence for which treatment is more successful at reinflating the lung, reducing hospital stay, and preventing recurrence.