Spontaneous pneumothorax: an analysis of pleurectomy vs. conservative therapy in United States Air Force fliers.
Spontaneous pneumothorax is infrequently diagnosed in aircrew personnel, but the aeromedical disposition of such cases provokes spirited controversy. Using the technique of decision analysis, epidemiological information is analyzed so that consequences of conservative vs. operative management can be appreciated. Data do not support a dogmatic approach to spontaneous pneumothorax. Flight surgeons will need to continue to make their recommendations on aeromedical disposition considering the patient, flight duties, and operational environment.
Everett
W D
WD
Ehrling Bergquist USAF Regional Hospital, Offutt AFB, NE.
D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D006801:Humans; D010994:Pleura / Q000601:surgery*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D011336:Probability; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation