DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i02.064

Pages: 736-739

Introduction: Empyema of the pleural cavity is a rare but serious complication of pneumonectomy.Its incidence ranges from 2% to 15% and its mortality is superior to 10% [1].the management of empyema is controversial. All authors admit treatment must be done urgently. Despite use of various therapeutic approaches and techniques during the last five decades, successful therapy remains difficult and is often associated with high morbidity. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 14 patients underwent open-window thoracostomy with rib resection for a postpneumonectomy empyema (PPE). The treatement consists of radical debridement of the pleural cavity and packing with saline-soaked dressings. This was repeated in the operating theatre every second day, until the chest cavity was macroscopically clean. Results: fourteen patients with postpneumonectomy empyema (PPE) underwent open-window thoracostomy. 4 patients died, 4 patients have recovered well, 6 patients amenable for subsequent closure. Conclusions: Open-window thoracostomy with radical debridement enables successful treatment of postpneumonectomy empyema and is a well-tolerated concept, allowing rapid surgical closure.