Nontuberculous empyema: a clinical experience
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A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
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A T Pezzella1, J T Walls, J J Curtis
1Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, VA Hospital, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA.
Abstract:
Nontuberculous empyema is a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the hospitalized patient. Bronchopulmonary infection remains the most common predisposing factor. A retrospective analysis of 85 patients over a 9-year period was performed. Following confirmation of empyema, closed chest tube thoracostomy provided adequate drainage in the majority of patients. Comparison with an earlier experience at the same institution showed an increase in anaerobic isolates and a decrease in postoperative empyema.
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