LVRS

[Perce]

Been to see the consultant today and she says I have large bulli on lungs so she has referred me to a surgeon to discuss possible surgery, sounds a bit scary, has anyone has this operation ?

[Chinka]

Sorry to hear that but what is a bulli?

[Perce]

Had a bit more time today so found this onfo on the net.

Blebs or bullae are thin walled balloon-like extensions or air sacs. Singularly, they are bulla, but plural is bullae. They are also called pulmonary cysts. These cysts, blebs or bullae are sacs in the lung tissue that are filled with air or gas. They are detectable by radiological tests, such as an X-ray or a CT scan. It is hypothesized that these sacs are caused by the degradation of elastic

fibers in the wall of a lung.Lung blebs and bullae are a common occurrence common among the general population, and when patients are examined by physicians, these bubble-like protuberances are often noted as present on both lungs.

For undetermined reasons, formations seem to happen spontaneously and are more prevalent in tall, skinny young men. It is believed that this may have some connection to their tall stature or the extended length of the torso in these individuals.Blebs or bullae are prone to rupture at any time. Changes in external air pressure can cause the blebs to break open, such as when scuba diving or flying in an airplane. Rupture is even possible when listening to loud music or taking a very sudden deep breath.Immediately following a blow-out, air or gas from the resulting rupture then leaks into the space in between the lung and the chest wall, also known as the pleural cavity.

This creates pressure on the lungs and potentially can lead to a condition known as pneumothorax. Pneumothorax is a partial or full collapse of the lung.One of the causes of lung blebs or bullae is emphysema. Other possibilities are chest wall trauma, disease and injury to the lung. Signs and symptoms of this disease are shortness of breath, pain in the upper body, cyanosis and dry coughs. It can also potentially follow complicated surgical procedures. If experiencing any of the symptoms discussed, it is advisable to consult a physician immediately. Find more information on causes and symptoms of lung blebs and bullae at the links provided. More reference links: ctsnet.org blebinfo.co.uk

[Leclairsam16 in reply to Perce]

Wow I'm terrified, surgery is in 4 hours I'm only 44 and weigh 120 lbs. I have quit smoking but it looks like I'm a little too late. How long was recovery without any complications

[Perce in reply to Leclairsam16]

I'm fine now but it did take a while to get over it but well worth going through it, it was 3 month to get over it fully, you will be well looked after throughout so try not to worry about it.xxx

[Leclairsam16 in reply to Perce]

Thank you. But why 3 months I've been told about 3 weeks. Anyway I just took my meds. Thank you for responding

[Perce in reply to Leclairsam16]

I depends on how they access your lungs, mine was through the ribs so a lot of knitting back together, if it's key hole a lot quicker!

[Leclairsam16 in reply to Perce]

Ya they are just putting three small holes in my side and going in with a scope I should be in ICU for two days and then a regular room for up to 3 days hopefully home within the week but I'm still freaking out

[Perce in reply to Leclairsam16]

Sounds like luxury, that will be fine as no big cuts, I had two drain holes and they healed really quickly.

Let us know how you are doing once you are out of ICU. Best wishes xxx

[Leclairsam16 in reply to Perce]

Well surgery went well but my blood pressure bottomed out I thought I was gonna die. Needed a blood transfusion and um in a lot of pain now

[Perce in reply to Leclairsam16]

Great the op went well, hang in there until the pain meds kick in and rest up, you're on the mend now!

[USAhousewife]

I had BOTH of the surgeries in Apr of this year. I awoke on 3/28/13 to intense chest pain, went to see my gp when he opened. He couldn't find anything despite running tests, x rays, etc. My breathing and general well being pretty much went south over the weekend, I returned to his office on Mon 4/1/13, where he admitted me to the local hospital, Immediately afterwards I was dx with my left lung pnemothorax 100%, due to a bleb bursting. A chest tube was inserted, then a few days later the VATS surgery was preformed with pleurodesis.I began to swell horribly (subcutanious emphemsa) for the next few days and my lung continued to leak. A week later a thoractomy with pleurodesis was preformed. That time, they managed to staple all the blebs, leaks. The also stapled my lungs to my chest wall. I was down to my normal size in 72 hours I had the chest tube for 4 days and was released on the 6th day. Lots of pain meds were needed and given. I am still recovering, as at 56, these things take a bit longer. I have since quit smoking entirely.

[USAhousewife]

I do want to add, the surgeons warned me before the first surgery, that it is considered "Brutal". and again before the second surgery. They did NOT lie. This is a serious surgery and considered to be one of the most painful.