What is the definition or description of: pleurodesis?

A surgical procedure: The lining of the lung and chest wall is called the pleura. Normally the lung pleura stays in contact with the chest pleura. Sometimes they can become separated with either air or fluid. One option in treatment is to cause an inflammatory reaction so that the lung and chest wall pleura stick together. This essentially gets rid of the space so that the lung sticks to the chest wall.

Adhesions: Pleurodesis is a procedure designed to scar the pleural cavity, causing the lung to attach to the chest wall. This can prevent lung collapse or reaccumulation of pleural fluid.

Fusion: Pleurodesis is fusion of lung lining to chest wall lining to prevent recurrence of air (pneumothorax) or fluid (effusion) in chest cavity. Pleurodesis is used to maintain lung expansion, help breathing, and alleviate shortness of breath. Modern thoracic surgeons will use vats (minimally invasive techniques).