Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Definition of Secondary atelectasis

Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026

Secondary atelectasis: Partial or total collapse of a lung or a segment of a lung that was once expanded, as may happen after chest surgery. Secondary atelectasis is in contrast to primary atelectasis in which there is failure of the lung to expand fully at birth.

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