Pleural empyema in childhood
Joppich, I.; Liedgens, P.
Langenbecks Archiv für Chirurgie. Suppl Ii Verhandlungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Chirurgie. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chirurgie. Kongress 1989: 207-209
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0173-0541 PMID: 2577547 Document Number: 340119
Empyema is a rare parapneumonic complication in children. The use of antibiotics and closed-tube thoracostomy drainage has superseded operative procedures like decortication even in anaerobic infections. Only a few authors still recommend early decortication. However empyemas based on malformations such as lobar emphysema or cystic lung should be treated surgically.