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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1985; 33(1): 41-43
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1014081
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Early Surgical Intervention in Non-specific Pleural Empyema

P. C. Frimodt-Møller, H. Vejlsted
  • Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
Further Information

Publication History

1984

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

During a 4-year period, 18 patients were treated for non-specific pleural empyema. Nine patients were treated by closed intercostal drainage and 9 by early decortication. The length of time from initial treatment until complete resolution of the empyema and healing of the wound was compared between the groups and highly favored early surgery. We conclude that if an empyema does not show signs of regression after one week of drainage, surgical intervention is indicated.

Key words

Pleural empyema - Decortication