Reappraisal of Empyema Thoracis: Surgical Intervention When the Duration of Illness is Unknown

摘要: The timing of surgical treatment empyema remains controversial. Traditionally, thoracotomy is performed either within three weeks diagnosis or delayed until presumed pleurodesis occurs. Often, these patients are moribund and the duration illness impossible to determine. We report our results in seven with a deteriorating clinical course multiple loculations which persisted after tube thoracostomy would not have responded thoracostomies. Five required decortication. One lobectomy for an abscess developed on contralateral side six discharge. There were no deaths recurrences empyema. Average times from surgery removal discharge 12 days, respectively. conclude that one can safely cost-effectively treat surgically even when presence unknown, postoperative will be uncomplicated.