Does surgery for pulmonary bullae require lung resection?

In general, whether lung tissue needs to be removed during surgery for pulmonary bullae primarily depends on the size, number, and location of the bullae. The specific analysis is as follows:

Pulmonary bullae are air-filled cavities formed within lung tissue when alveolar pressure increases due to various causes, leading to alveolar wall rupture and subsequent merging of adjacent spaces. For small, solitary bullae, minimally invasive surgery is usually sufficient for removal without resecting lung tissue.

If the bulla is large—occupying more than one-third of the hemithorax—or if complications such as spontaneous pneumothorax or recurrent infections occur, surgical intervention becomes necessary. During surgery, surgeons aim to preserve as much healthy lung tissue as possible. A wedge resection is typically performed, with lobectomy reserved only for cases where it is absolutely necessary.

In daily life, it is recommended to avoid smoking, prevent respiratory infections, maintain proper nutrition, and promptly treat related chronic conditions to protect lung health.