[Therapy of pleural empyema after pneumonectomy with open-window drainage and continuous rinsing]

From 1961 to 1977 24 thoracic empyemas (=4,75%) after 507 pneumonectomies were observed at the Surgical Clinic A of the Zurich University Hospital. Two methods for the management of this condition are discussed: open-window drainage (CLAGETT) and continuous rinsing of the pleural cavity (LUIZY). The first mentioned method proved to be a palliative one in our patients: no thoracostomy could be re-closed operatively. Two thoracic windows healed up spontaneously without recurrence of an empyema; one patient died shortly after the operation from respiratory insufficiency. Of the five patients treated by continuous rinsing, four were cured as for their empyema, but one of the latter died from renal insufficiency. In one case an open-window drainage finally had to be accomplished.