pneumonolysis (plombage)

Indications

• formerly used to treat pulmonary tuberculosis

Procedure

• insertion of an inert substance (plomb) into the pleural space
• separates adherent lung from the pleura
• separation of the parietal pleura from the fascia of the chest wall is called also extrapleural pneumonolysis
• separation of the visceral & parietal layers of the pleura is called intrapleural pneumonolysis
• permits contraction of the lung during exhalation

More general terms

• insertion of substance

Additional terms

• pleurodesis; chemical pleurodesis