[Surgical management of acute empyema]

Basic principles apply to the management of all forms of acute empyema: investigation and treatment of the underlying infection, drainage of purulent collection, obliteration of the space, and treatment of the associated intercurrent medical conditions. From July 1999 to May 2001, we performed surgical treatment in 11 patients for acute empyema. There were 4 cases of the fibrinopurulent phase and 7 cases of the organizing phase. Surgical procedure was 7 open thoracotomies and 4 thoracoscopies. The mean operating time was 154.2 +/- 36.6 minutes and blood loss during surgery was 344.7 +/- 274.8 ml. There was no procedure-related morbidity. In conclusion, early aggressive surgical approach is a feasible method for treatment of acute empyema.