Enthusiasm for minimally invasive thoracic surgery is increasing. Thoracoscopy plays a significant therapeutic role in the fibrinopurulent stage (stage II) of empyema, in which loculated fluid cannot often be adequately drained by chest tube alone. For some debilitated and septic patients, further procedures such as open-window thoracostomy (OWT) with daily wound care or vacuum-assisted closure...

A man with a crush injury of his upper abdomen developed bilateral pulmonary empyema after repair of tears of the oesophagus and liver. Attempts to withdraw chest drains led to recurrent septicaemia, treated by reinsertion of the drains plus administration of antibiotics. The communication of the empyema space with both the bronchial tree and the oesophagus was managed successfully with intermi...

OBJECTIVES Traditionally, chronic empyema has been treated by thoracotomy and decortication. Some recent reports have claimed similar clinical results for videothoracoscopy, but with less morbidity and mortality than open procedures. Our experience with thoracotomy and decortication is reviewed so that the results of this surgical procedure can be adequately evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS F...

Background: Tuberculous (TB) empyema is a chronic infection of pleural space which carries a signifi cant morbidity and mortality. Aims: The aim of this study was to observe clinical, radiological, bacteriological features, and the outcomes obtained by the medical management of TB empyema. Methodology: A retrospective case analysis of all the adult patients admitted with TB empyema was performe...

Three cases of Pseudomonas thoracic empyema occurring in nasotracheally intubated patients are reported. Paranasal rhinosinusitis, a well documented complication of prolonged nasotracheal intubation, could be the primary infectious location. Massive respiratory tract colonization leads to extensive necrotizing pulmonary lesions. Failure of diagnosis and treatment of sinus involvement could be r...

Melioidosis is considered a rare disease in Hong Kong, and its diagnosis and treatment can be difficult. We report the case of a patient who presented with thoracic empyema. The material sampled from the empyema was initially labelled Burkholderia cepacia. The diagnosis of melioidosis due to Burkholderia pseudomallei could only be made after repeated cultures, and performing arginine dihydrolas...

Abstract Background Despite advances in antimicrobial therapy and a range of drainage techniques for the infected pleural area, thoracic empyema continues to be serious reason behind morbidity mortality. Although chest ultrasonography has been found an efficient diagnostic tool effusion features, it is rarely utilized predict outcomes illnesses. Aim work To determine impact sonographic patterns...