Abstract
Background : We herein report our findings of a study on the performance of pleurodesis by means of placing an autologous blood patch into the refractory pneumothorax. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed 9 cases who had an autologous blood patch injected into thoracic cavity. The injection rate was determined according to the level of the patient's overall status and anemia. Results : Autologous blood patches were thus injected 19 times in a total of 9 cases. The average age was 74.4±8.7years old, and all cases were males. Eight of the 9 patients reported a history of smoking. The response rate was 78%, and 2 cases did not show an improvement in pneumothorax and died. Conclusion : The performance of autologous blood patch pleurodesis is therefore considered to be a safe and effective treatment method. This method should therefore be used as a first line treatment for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax in elderly patients.
