XXXX of the lung.

@entity1 @entity7502 @entity358 @entity547
BACKGROUND: @entity358 is uncommon and methods of management vary. During the past 17 years, we have seen 8 @entity1 with this condition. METHODS: Between 1984 and 2000, 8 @entity1 with @entity358 were seen on our service. Three @entity547 were caused by a thoracic operation, one was due to chronic cough, and in four, the @entity547 was congenital, with delayed presentation. RESULTS: Three @entity1 had minimal symptoms and were not operated on. Closure of chest wall in the other @entity1 was accomplished by suture approximation of ribs in 4 @entity1 and by @entity7502 mesh in 1 @entity1 . There were no recurrences, and these @entity1 remain asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Intercostal @entity547 are usually symptomatic and should be treated by operative closure. In @entity547 , the symptoms are usually minimal and complications are unlikely. These @entity547 can be left untreated, but the @entity1 should be followed.
