Objective: Pleurodesis using chemical agents has been applied to high-risk patients with pneumothorax. This treatment, however, is sometimes unsuccessful in patients with intractable pneumothorax. We have developed intrapleural administration of diluted fibrin glue as an effective treatment for such patients.
Methods: Fibrin glue was diluted 4-fold with saline and/or contrast media. Pleurodesis with a large amount of the diluted fibrin glue was performed in 55 high risk patients (57 cases, bil.2 patients) with intractable pneumothorax.
Results: The air leaks were stopped by administration of the glue in all except 2 patients. During the follow-up period, a recurrence rate of 10.5% was observed. These recurrent pneumothoraces were successfully treated using the same procedure with no further recurrence. Pyrexia (12.3%) and chest discomfort (8.8%) were observed as side effects, and there was no occurrence of severe chest pain or thoracic empyema.
Conclusions: These results suggested that intrapleural administration of a large amount of diluted fibrin glue was an effective treatment for intractable pneumothoraces in high-risk patients.