Spontaneous pneumothorax after traumatic pneumonectomy: a role for talc pleurodesis in secondary prevention?

We report a case of spontaneous contralateral pneumothorax 2 months after a pneumonectomy, with the initial placement of an intercostal chest drain on the side of the pneumothorax. Due to the high risk of a subsequent life-threatening pneumothorax, pleurodesis became an important consideration. Surgical pleurodesis can be complicated by the risks of single lung ventilation; therefore, talc pleurodesis was performed by using the intercostal drain once the lung had fully expanded. The patient remains free of recurrence 14 months after the pneumonectomy. Our case suggests that talc may be an effective alternative method of secondary prevention of a pneumothorax after a pneumonectomy. (Ann Thorac Surg 2011;92:e7-9) (C) 2011 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons