[Certain properties of the extravasate effused into pleural cavity after thoracic surgery]

Data on morphological and biochemical properties of the postoperative extravasate are reported in 102 patients in different terms postoperatively. There is a reduced number of erythrocytes, amount of hemoglobin and thrombocytes in the extravasate. The number of leucocytes in the latter corresponds to their amount in peripheral blood. Free hemoglobin ranged from 6 to 125 mg%, and its concentration depends on traumatism and duration of surgery. There is no fibrinogen in the extravasate and a decreased fibrinolytic activity. Bacterial contamination of the extravasate is dependent on the character of a surgical procedure. The extravasate sterility is supported by its apyrogenic and nontoxic action on rabbits and mice. Determination of the amount of leucocytes, sugar, alpha-2 and beta golbulins in the extravasate 18 hours following the operation is of a diagnostic value for early recognition of inflammation in the pleural cavity.