Foreign bodies in pleura and chest wall.

Background: In contrast to other locations, foreign bodies in pleura and chest wall have been rarely reported and there is no consensus with regard to treatment.

Methods: Between 1971 and 2001, 22 patients with foreign bodies in pleura or chest wall were admitted to our department. Their charts were reviewed for preoperative diagnosis, history, kind and location of the foreign bodies, length of retention, management of patients, and complications.