[Diagnosis and treatment of pleural empyema of traumatic etiology]

Closed active sanitation of the pleural cavity with the local application of proteolytic enzymes and antibiotics in rational general therapy allowed to cure more than half of the patients with pleural empyema of a traumatic origin. An insufficient effect of drainage results in wide thoracotomy being necessary. The most adequate operation is pleurectomy and decortication contributing to complete expansion of the lung and preservation of its functional capacities.