Artificial Pneumothorax as an Aid to Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

¹ The Brompton Hospital Sanatorium, Frimley, Surrey, England.

Analysis of 174 patients, treated with unilateral pneumothorax and chemotherapy during the past six years, suggests that most of the former disadvantages of artificial pneumothorax have now disappeared; but it is also shown that more effective chemotherapy is reducing the need for artificial pneumothorax, in common with other forms of treatment.

Artificial pneumothorax still has a small but important role in treatment; reasons are given why it is preferable to other types of therapy in certain situations.

It is suggested that the practice of cauterisation of adhesions is no longer necessary and should now be discontinued.

The duration of artificial pneumothorax can now be greatly reduced and the use of this treatment for short periods may prove to be valuable in promoting quick cavity closure.