title: Posttraumatic empyema.
abstract: This is a report of the experience gained from treating 18 patients with posttraumatic empyema during a 36-month period. The objectives of treatment were twofold: complete reexpansion of the lung, and evacuation of infected foreign material from the pleural space. The techniques of achieving these objectives were tube thoracostomy initially, followed by early thoracotomy if necessary.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004653:Empyema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications