[Prevention and treatment of thoracic empyema resulting from traumatic hemothorax]

Authors report on their experiences with the treatment of thoracic empyema developing from the suppuration of haematoma following thoracic injury. In 30 of 82 patients suppuration of the thoracic cavity has developed. 6 of the 30 patients with empyema were treated first in our Department all 6 healed on drainage whereas in 24 patients, admitted from other departments, the following measures were necessary: 2 pleura lavages under the control of thoracoscope, 3 early decortications, 14 decortications, 5 lung resections and decortications with a decrease of the respiratory surface. Attention is called to the necessity of early and adequate treatment which is a prevention of complication (suppuration). Light is given to the factors which most frequently promote suppuration of the thoracic cavity, developing from traumatic haemothorax. Attention is called to secure the necessary personal and material conditions to the preventive treatment.