Functional aspects of pleural empyema and pleural induration
Toomes, H.; Linder, A.; Friedel, G.
Langenbecks Archiv für Chirurgie. Suppl Ii Verhandlungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Chirurgie. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chirurgie. Kongress 1989: 199-202
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0173-0541 PMID: 2577545 Document Number: 327676
Decortication for pleural empyema with or without residual cavities was performed in 161 patients. Indications were sanitation of infection sites and improvement of respiratory function. A total of 73.3% of the patients had a non-specific and 22.4% a tuberculous empyema. Postoperative complications included 8.7% wound infections and 1.2% recurring empyema. Operative mortality was 0.6%. To estimate pulmonary function, the preoperative values of blood gas analysis and vital capacity were assessed in 75 patients and compared with those obtained after one year. A relatively slight improvement was seen only in those patients who had a preoperative reduction of vital capacity amounting to more than 40%. An indication for decortication solely to improve pulmonary function is rare. As a rule decortication is indicated for the simultaneous removal of septic foci and functional improvement.