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Childhood chronic pleural empyema: a continuing surgical challenge in developing countries
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, Malatya, Turkey.
The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon
|February 3, 1999
Summary
Surgical intervention remains crucial for chronic pleural empyema in children, particularly in developing nations. High success rates are observed for non-tuberculous cases, with acceptable outcomes for tuberculous empyema.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Childhood chronic pleural empyema often necessitates surgical intervention.
- A retrospective review of 104 pediatric surgical cases over 21 years was conducted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role, indications, and outcomes of surgical treatment for childhood chronic pleural empyema.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 104 pediatric patients who underwent surgery for chronic pleural empyema.
- Data collected included etiology, surgical indications, procedures, and success rates.
Main Results:
- Pneumonia was the most common cause (69/104).
- Key indications for surgery included severe pleural thickening (51.9%) and trapped lung (34.6%).
- Decortication was the primary surgical procedure (90/104), achieving 93% success in non-specific empyema and 54% in tuberculous empyema.
Conclusions:
- Surgical treatment is essential for childhood chronic pleural empyema, especially in developing countries.
- High success rates are achievable for non-specific empyema, while outcomes for tuberculous empyema are acceptable.