[Early pleurectomy for acute suppurative pleurisy in high-risk patients]

The results of 73 pleurectomies in complicated acute purulent pleurisy are discussed. Of the operated high risk patients one patient died. Recurrent empyemas were eliminated by means of 2--3 ribs thoracoplasty. The authors believe early pleurectomy to be quite endurable for most patients under conditions of pronounced intoxication and having severe associated diseases. In their opinion, pleurectomy can quickly liquidate the intoxication and favourably influence the development of the disease.