Efficacy of an absorbable polyglycolic acid patch in surgery for pneumothorax due to silicosis.

Background: We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an absorbable polyglycolic acid (PGA) patch in surgery for refractory pneumothorax due to silicosis.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of 56 patients who received thoracotomy or thoracoscopic surgery for refractory pneumothorax due to silicosis between 1995 and 2010. An absorbable PGA patch was used as a reinforcement or repair material after resection of the bulla in 24 operations and it was not used in another 32 operations.