[Pleurodesis. Indications and review of symphyseal agents]

Recurrent or chronic pneumothorax and neoplasm of the pleura are the major indications for pleurodesis. However certain chronic or recurrent forms of pleural affections of mechanical origin or secondary chylothorax may not respond to aetiologic treatment and could benefit from therapeutic pleural symphysis. The objective may be reached with several physical and chemical agents including cyclins and talcum powder among the most effective products devoid of major risk. The classic surgical techniques have been abandoned in favour of interventional thoracoscopy to obtain pleural abrasion and pleurectomy. Promising results have been obtained.