Pneumothorax and thoracic surgery

Patients who have a current pneumothorax should not travel by air because the volume of air in the pleural space expands by about one-third at cabin altitude. However, if travel is necessary, patients with an intercostal drain with a one-way valve (Heimlich valve) in place may be able to travel with a suitable escort (doctor or nurse).

For patients with recently resolved pneumothorax, delay air travel:

• by 1 week after full radiological resolution of spontaneous pneumothorax
• by 2 weeks after full radiological resolution of pneumothorax after thoracic surgery or trauma.