[Surgical treatment of non-thoracotraumatic pneumomediastinum].

The experience of surgical treatment of non-thoracotraumatic pneumomediastinum in 48 cases was summarized. The etiology, classification, pathology, and surgical treatment of non-thoracotraumatic pneumomediastinum were discussed. We conclude that most non-thoracotraumatic pneumomediastinum was complicated by secondary diseases. Therefore, the effective treatments for primary diseases are important. A satisfactory effect must be based on different surgical techniques according to the different clinical symptoms and age of patients.