[Bullectomy As Emergency Intervention in a Mechanically Ventilated Patient with Refractory Type II Respiratory Failure Due to Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD)]

A 44-year-old female patient presented with an extensive exacerbation of severe chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and bullous emphysema. Because of a severe type II respiratory failure, the patient was intubated and mechanically ventilated. Respiratory failure was refractory despite appropriate ventilation regimes and pCO2 values ranged from 110 mm Hg to 180 mm Hg. Chest radiography revealed hyperinflation of two giant bullae with mediastinal shifting to the left lung. We describe a successful rescue bullectomy.