Operative pleurodesis in spontaneous pneumothorax. Indications and results

In 61 cases of spontaneous pneumothorax treated with thoracotomy and pleurodesis, sometimes with resection of bullous lung tissue, the records were reviewed. There were few postoperative complications and no treatment-requiring recurrences. The postoperative drainage time was significantly longer in patients with, than in those without, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease preoperatively, but the long-term results were the same in both groups. Age did not influence the results. The treatment policy in this selected group of patients seemed to be highly satisfactory.