Introduction.

The aim of this report was to present the case of a patient with a history of bilateral bullous emphysema that causes a persistent pneumothorax that was difficult to treat.

Clinical case.

This is a 50-year-old patient diagnosed with pneumothorax associated with bilateral bullous emphysema, in whom surgical treatment being contraindicated. The clinical picture began with pain in the right hemithorax and dyspnea, which intensified to the point of not tolerating decubitus. In the chest X-ray, collapse of the right lung was observed with multiple bullae in both lungs, therefore a right upper minimum pleurotomy was performed. The patient’s evolution was not favorable due to persisting pneumothorax, which led to the use of an alternative treatment.

Discussion.

In patients with persistent pneumothorax due to bilateral bullous emphysema without surgical indication, talc is a less invasive alternative to achieve a pleural symphysis with good results, a method whose utility is demonstrated.

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