A CASE OF SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF TRAUMATIC PNEUMOTHORAX WITH PLEURODESIS USING A HIGHLY CONCENTRATED GLUCOSE SOLUTION

Abstract

　　The present report describes a 40s male who developed persistent traumatic pneumothorax after a motor vehicle accident. After a systemic diagnostic approach for trauma, there were multiple rib fractures, pneumothorax, and a small amount of hemothorax. After thoracic drainage was performed, air leaks persisted for 6 days. A pleurodesis with 50% glucose solution was performed on the 7th hospital day. We injected 200 ml of 50% glucose solution via a chest tube, and the tube was clamped for 2 hours. Air leaks disappeared on next day after the treatment, and the chest tube was removed on the 10th hospital day. There was no recurrence of a pneumothorax. Although pleurodesis with 50% glucose solution has been reported as a treatment for spontaneous pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum, the present study found that it may be used to treat traumatic pneumothorax.