[Surgical technics indicated for spontaneous pneumothorax. Personal experience in 266 operations]

The surgical techniques best suited for timely management of spontaneous pneumothorax are described. Results in 266 cases are discussed and compared with the recent literature. Reference is also made to a little known technique: photothermostimulation, and the results it offers are illustrated. Encouraging results have been obtained from rapid frottage of the parietal pleura and this is described. Emphasis is placed on the advisability of early operation to forestall possible surgical and anatomofunctional complications, to ensure good recovery of respiratory capacity, and to prevent mechanical sequelae involving the cardiorespiratory system.