[Pleurodesis with tetracycline hydrochloride in spontaneous pneumothorax]

Treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax aims at avoiding relapses besides achieving immediate reexpansion of the lung. Thoracoscopy should definitely occupy a well-established position in the diagnostic and therapeutic step-by-step schedule. On the one hand, it enables local treatment methods, and on the other it helps in arriving at a decision with regard to the operation. If conditions permit, pleurodesis should be effected via the intrapleural rubber-tube drain, tetracycline hydrochloride having proved very suitable for this purpose. A retrospective review is given on the experiences with thoracoscopy and pleurodesis on the basis of own cases.