Lung "cut" during breast reduction!

You have what is known as a pneumothorax which is treated with a chest tube. You will have a scar where the tube exits the skin but should have no other permanent problems with your lung.

A pneumothorax is certainly a rare occurrence, but fortunately for you, it sound like appropriate measures were taken. Good luck.

You have what is called a pneumothorax, or air in the space between the lung and the chest cavity.  This is very uncommon in breast reduction surgery, but could have occurred during injection of local anesthetic or because of a separation between the ribs during dissection.  Either way, it is fortunate your surgeon recognized the problem and took the appropriate action.  You have a chest tube in place to re-inflate the lung, and, yes, it is very uncomfortable.  It is usually only necessary for a day or two, and once it is removed you should be good as new except for a small scar where the tube went in.  Good luck with your recovery.

I am very sorry to hear about the complication you have experienced. Based on your description, it sounds like you have experienced a pneumothorax;  in this situation the lung may collapse  but is not directly punctured.  In other words, the space around the long (pleural space) was entered,  allowing air entry  around the lung itself. Based on your description, it sounds like it was diagnosed and is being treated appropriately.  Barring any other problems, you should be problem free long term. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

From your description it sounds like you have had an entry of some into the space between the ribs allowing air to enter the space between the long and the rib cage. Your doctor has recognized this and placed a tube to evacuate the air. Once the tube is removed, other than the scar where the puncture was placed, there should be no residual effect. Best wishes for  for the rest of your recovery.

Thank you for your question. Pneumothorax or collapse of the lung is unusual in breast reduction surgery. Thankfully, your surgeon recognized it and took the proper action to repair the situation. The lung itself, is not cut. The cavity around the lung was likely entered while using cautery and air entered the pleural cavity. A tube was placed to suck that air out so that the lung can properly inflate. The tube is usually left in place for a few days and checked with a chest x-ray to make sure the air outside the lung is gone. Long term, you should not have any significant problems. Good Luck,