The surgical treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax by parietal pleurectomy. Long-term results with special reference to pulmonary function studies.

A series of 125 patients with recurrent or persistent spontaneous pneumothorax were treated at the Regional Cardiothoracic Centre, North Middlesex Hospital, London, between 1972 and 1978. These patients received surgical treatment by parietal pleurectomy with no significant complications. The 2-8 years of follow-up has shown no recurrence. The postoperative pulmonary function tests have proved that there is no significant impairment of the mechanical efficiency of respiration. This series indicates that pleurectomy is a safe and reliable procedure and gives excellent results.