[Lung function after thoracic injury--an aid for indication for an early decortication (author's transl)]

In 16 patients with severe chest injuries the pulmonary function was evaluated as early as possible. Special emphasis was laid upon the basic criteria for the indication of an early decortication in cases of organized hematothorax. A follow-up study of ten patients, who were treated conservatively and of six patients, who underwent decortication, showed that the inspiratory and expiratory reserve volume and the compliance of the lung were the most reliable criteria. They showed, if a traumatic disturbance of the lung function was reversible or irreversible. It seems that patients improve faster after decortication. If, however, signs of a quick spontaneous recovery of the lung function is seen, there is no indication for surgery.