Empyema surgery

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Empyema Microchapters

Patient Information

Overview

Classification

Subdural empyema
Pleural empyema

Differential Diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Prince Tano Djan, BSc, MBChB [2]

Overview

Definitive surgical treatment for empyema entails drainage of the infected pleural fluid. A chest tube may be inserted, often using ultrasound guidance. Intravenous antibiotics are given. If this is insufficient, surgical debridement of the pleural space may be required.[1][2][3]Management strategies of Empyema necessitans with pulmonary involvement and lung abscess may involve thoracotomy with pulmonary resection in addition to extended duration antimicrobial therapy.[4][5]

Surgery

Treatment of empyema focuses on the following:[1]

  • Controlling the infectious focus
  • Drainage of fluid and pus
  • Re-expansion of the lung

Surgery should be considered without delay in the following patients:[6][7]

  • who fail to improve with antibiotics and chest tube drainage,
  • who have persistent infective symptoms, fever, leukocytosis and raised inflammatory markers.

Contrary to popular belief, radiological clearance of pleural collection is not a good indicator of disease progress.

Surgery and Device Based Therapy

Definitive surgical treatment for empyema entails drainage of the infected pleural fluid. A chest tube may be inserted, often using ultrasound guidance. Intravenous antibiotics are given. If this is insufficient, surgical debridement of the pleural space may be required.[1][2][3]

Empyema necessitans

Management strategies of Empyema necessitans with pulmonary involvement and lung abscess may involve thoracotomy with pulmonary resection in addition to extended duration antimicrobial therapy.[4][5]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Reichert M, Hecker M, Witte B, Bodner J, Padberg W, Weigand MA; et al. (2016). "Stage-directed therapy of pleural empyema". Langenbecks Arch Surg. doi:10.1007/s00423-016-1498-9. PMID 27815709.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Colice GL, Curtis A, Deslauriers J, Heffner J, Light R, Littenberg B; et al. (2000). "Medical and surgical treatment of parapneumonic effusions : an evidence-based guideline". Chest. 118 (4): 1158–71. PMID 11035692.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Ashbaugh DG (1991). "Empyema thoracis. Factors influencing morbidity and mortality". Chest. 99 (5): 1162–5. PMID 2019172.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Atay S, Banki F, Floyd C (2016). "Empyema necessitans caused by actinomycosis: A case report". Int J Surg Case Rep. 23: 182–5. doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2016.04.005. PMC 5022073. PMID 27180228.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Gomes MM, Alves M, Correia JB, Santos L (2013). "Empyema necessitans: very late complication of pulmonary tuberculosis". BMJ Case Rep. 2013. doi:10.1136/bcr-2013-202072. PMC 3863066. PMID 24326441.
  6. Maskell NA, Davies CW, Nunn AJ, Hedley EL, Gleeson FV, Miller R; et al. (2005). "U.K. Controlled trial of intrapleural streptokinase for pleural infection". N Engl J Med. 352 (9): 865–74. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa042473. PMID 15745977. Review in: ACP J Club. 2005 Sep-Oct;143(2):40
  7. Diacon AH, Theron J, Schuurmans MM, Van de Wal BW, Bolliger CT (2004). "Intrapleural streptokinase for empyema and complicated parapneumonic effusions". Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 170 (1): 49–53. doi:10.1164/rccm.200312-1740OC. PMID 15044206.