[Plastic surgery of pleural empyema cavity using the latissimus dorsi muscle on a vascular pedicle]

The article describes the method of operation for removal of a pyothorax cavity and a bronchial fistula with the use of the latissimus dorsi muscle which is mobilized from all sites of attachment to bone structures and separated to a neurovascular pedicle. The operation was carried out on 6 patients with tuberculous and unspecific pyothorax with a bronchial fistula and a defect in the thoracic wall. Due to its large size, the presence of a long main vascular pedicle, and anatomical position, this muscle can be used successfully in the management of such patients. A good effect was produced with minimum functional loss.