Complications of plombage in a Cuban exile.
Collapse of the affected lung, or plombage, was a common operative treatment for tuberculosis in the United States in the 1930s and 40s. Due to the lack of antitubercular drugs, this practice continued in Cuba into the 1950s. After 41 years the plombage material in an exile patient was found to be infected. This resulted in the bronchopleural fistula which required a pectoralis muscle flap to close. Physicians should be aware that many Cuban exiles have been treated for tuberculosis via plombage and are at risk for similar complications.
Sultan
M
M
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Kelly
M E
ME
Hilliard
G
G
Horowitz
M D
MD
D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000209:etiology*; D003096:Collapse Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D020366:Methylmethacrylate; D008768:Methylmethacrylates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013905:Thoracoplasty; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000601:surgery
D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D020366:Methylmethacrylate