A modified Brompton technique for the treatment of giant bulla in patients with diffuse emphysema.

Four patients with diffuse emphysema and a giant bulla were treated by a modified Brompton technique using a mushroom catheter and low suction. There was no mortality although one patient developed a troublesome pulmonary infection. All the patients had significant symptomatic improvement with a mean dyspnoea index changing from 3.5 before operation to 2.25 afterwards. We concluded that the modified Brompton technique is a safe and simple alternative in treating a giant bulla associated with diffuse emphysema.