J Korean Radiol Soc.  1995 Sep;33(3):367-372.

Treatment of Infected Bulla with Alcohol Sclerosis Combined with Percutaneous Catheter Drainage: A Preliminary Report

• Lee YC
• Han YM
• Choi KC
• Kim CS
• Chung GH
• Sohn MH
• Lee JM
• Rhee YK

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate effectiveness of alcohol sclerosis combined with percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) for treatment of infected bulla.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Infected bulla in four consecutive patients were treated. In all patients, percutaneous catheter drainage of the bulla was performed. Instillation of sterile alcohol (99% ethanol) was carried out into the cavity of the bulla. Alcohol was left in the cavity for approximately 30 minutes in each session. Alcohol instillation was repeated according to the size of bulla. Patients were subsequently followed up with serial chest radiographs and CT scans.
RESULTS
All patients showed significant improvement both clinically and radiologically. Disappearance of the bulla and reexpansion of surrounding lung parenchyma was observed in two patients and partial resolution (80% reduction in size) was seen in another two patients. Complications included mild chest pain during instillation of alcohol in all patients and delayed radiating shoulder pain in one patient.
CONCLUSION
We provisionally conclude that intracavitary alcohol instillation combined with PCD is effective in the treatment of the infected bulla.

MeSH Terms

Catheters*
Chest Pain
Drainage*
Humans
Lung
Radiography, Thoracic
Sclerosis*
Shoulder Pain
Tomography, X-Ray Computed