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Nontuberculous empyema: a clinical experience.
A T Pezzella1, J T Walls, J J Curtis
1Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, VA Hospital, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA.
Texas Heart Institute Journal
|September 1, 1983
Summary
Nontuberculous empyema, a serious lung infection, is often caused by bronchopulmonary issues. Closed chest tube thoracostomy effectively drained most patients, with fewer cases of postoperative empyema observed over time.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic surgery
- Infectious diseases
- Pulmonary medicine
Background:
- Nontuberculous empyema presents a significant clinical challenge, contributing to patient morbidity and mortality.
- Bronchopulmonary infections are frequently identified as the primary predisposing factor for empyema development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the management and outcomes of nontuberculous empyema.
- To compare current findings with previous institutional data regarding causative organisms and postoperative empyema rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 85 hospitalized patients diagnosed with empyema over a nine-year period.
- Evaluation of closed chest tube thoracostomy as a primary drainage method.
- Microbiological analysis of isolates.
Main Results:
- Closed chest tube thoracostomy was successful in achieving adequate drainage for most patients.
- A notable increase in the isolation of anaerobic bacteria was observed.
- A decrease in the incidence of postoperative empyema was documented compared to earlier data.
Conclusions:
- Nontuberculous empyema requires prompt management, with closed chest tube thoracostomy being an effective initial treatment.
- Shifting microbiological patterns, particularly an increase in anaerobes, warrant attention in treatment strategies.
- Improvements in care may be contributing to a reduced rate of postoperative empyema.