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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Surgery To Repair Collapsed Lung Advisable At The Age Of 93?

hi.. my dad, 93y/o very physically active b4 he had cough/sob that seeked him admission 2 d hosp. on 9/14/14. right now, he s been treated 4pneumonia..he was in ICU 4close monitoring, 2r/o pneumothorax vs. atelectasis.. had chest tube inserted 2drain out excess air..chest tube still in since his admission. his Dr. advised him to have surgery to repair d collapsed lungs.m my questions are..1. how long can a chest tube stay in to drain d air out? 2. is it advisable to have surgery to repair his lungs at his age? 3. his pneumonia hasn t been r/o jst yet.. he s given Zithromax 500mg iv q24hrs..what is best to do, considering not much antibiotics to choose from in the PHILIPPINES on top of high costs.. ThNKS A LOT FOR D RESPONSE...
Wed, 4 Feb 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Surgery is not at all advised at this age (93).
Because lung surgery is considered as major surgery and heart lung bypass is needed during surgery. And chances of post operative complications are very high at this age. So I will not advice surgery for him because of his age.
Better to keep icd and wait for resolution of pneumothorax.
Better to get done sputum culture to identify organism. And also get done sensitivity report to guide the antibiotic therapy.
Once infection is resolved, pneumothorax will definitely subside.
So discuss all these with your doctor and plan accordingly.
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Is Surgery To Repair Collapsed Lung Advisable At The Age Of 93?

Thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation and problem. Surgery is not at all advised at this age (93). Because lung surgery is considered as major surgery and heart lung bypass is needed during surgery. And chances of post operative complications are very high at this age. So I will not advice surgery for him because of his age. Better to keep icd and wait for resolution of pneumothorax. Better to get done sputum culture to identify organism. And also get done sensitivity report to guide the antibiotic therapy. Once infection is resolved, pneumothorax will definitely subside. So discuss all these with your doctor and plan accordingly.