[A case of contralateral pneumothorax after right pneumonectomy]

A 46-year old man, who had a history of right pneumonectomy for pulmonary tuberculosis 28 years ago, was referred to our hospital for surgical treatment of contralateral pneumothorax. The patient underwent multiple excisions of bullae and parietal pleurectomy through the median sternotomy in order to save pulmonary function. The postoperative course was satisfactory as he could maintain preoperative pulmonary function. He returned to his work soon. We consider that the median sternotomy would be the most useful approach to save pulmonary function of patients who plan to undergo surgical treatment of contralateral pneumothorax after pneumonectomy.