Early and late results of extrapleural pneumothorax

Summary A series of 110 extrapleural pneumolyses in 107 patients carried out over a period of ten years has been followed up. In all the cases the pneumolyses were done with a view to establishing an extrapleural pneumothorax and this was satisfactorily established in 88 extrapleural spaces out of the whole series and in 48 spaces in the last 50 operations. The results are comparable with the best reported results of all forms of collapse therapy. The final result of extrapleural pneumothorax is a nearer approach to normal than can be obtained by extrapleural oleothorax or thoracoplasty. Certain notoriously difficult types of case, such as some with tension cavities and midzone cavities, can be successfully treated by this means. The success of the procedure as carried out here depends on painstaking and meticulous post-operative treatment. In the last three years the early results at least have been much better than those quoted for the whole series. Complications are now both less frequent and less serious in their effects. Even when these occur a good result may still be obtained in most cases.