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Percutaneous drainage of lung abscess
C Shim1, G H Santos, M Zelefsky
1Department of Medicine, Bronx Municipal Hospital Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York.
Lung
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Percutaneous drainage offers a safe and effective treatment for lung abscesses unresponsive to antibiotics, especially in medically complex patients. This minimally invasive approach provides prompt symptom relief and successful cavity closure.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Lung abscesses typically respond to antibiotics, but some cases require intervention due to poor drainage, persistent fever, and toxicity.
- Surgical options like lobectomy carry risks for debilitated patients with comorbidities such as heart, lung, or liver disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous drainage for lung abscesses in patients who have not responded to conventional therapy.
- To present findings from a series of successful percutaneous drainage procedures.
Main Methods:
- Percutaneous drainage was performed in 4 patients with lung abscesses and 1 with an infected bulla.
- All patients had previously failed antibiotic therapy and postural drainage.
Main Results:
- Successful fluid level disappearance, temperature decline, and abatement of toxic symptoms were observed promptly after drainage.
- Lung cavities gradually closed over 6-12 weeks.
- Patients tolerated chest tube placement well, with no reported side effects.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous tube drainage is a viable and effective treatment for poorly draining lung abscesses.
- It is particularly recommended as the treatment of choice for medically complicated patients.
- This minimally invasive technique offers a safe alternative to surgery for select patients.