Results of decortication in chronic empyema with special reference of paragonimiasis

During a recent 6 years period, we managed chronic empyema by decortication, either alone or in combination with thoracoplasty, in 58 patients: In 16 patients, the empyema was a complication of Paragonimus westermani infestation (PWI), in 20, tuberculosis (TB), and in 22, of varied origins. There were no operative deaths, and satisfactory or good results were obtained in 55 patients (94.8%). We believe that the result in a patient in whom thoracoplasty is required should be called satisfactory, not good. Only 55% of the TB group achieved a good result, compared with 89% of the other patients. Of the 10 patients who required a thoracoplasty, seven were in the TB group. Empyema complicating TB is associated with a higher incidence of fistula formation and is more difficult to treat than other empyemas. The empyema associated with PWI develops more slowly, tends to form fewer fistulas, and eventuates in a good result more often than empyema associated with TB. Two of our three poor results stemmed from failure to do a thoracoplasty when the lung did not expand. We recommend thoracoplasty when the lung does not expand well at operation; it should be done at the time of decortication to avoid the necessity for a second major procedure. Chronic empyema is a common complication of paragonimiasis in Korea and by inference in other parts of the world where PWI is endemic. As international travel increases, some patients with PWI and complicating empyema may be seen in the United States. American thoracic surgeons should be aware of this disease, its treatment and its chest complications.