title: Indwelling transbronchial catheter drainage of pulmonary abscess.
abstract: Adequate cavitary drainage is of paramount importance in the treatment of pulmonary abscesses. Occasionally this cannot be achieved despite vigorous chest physical therapy and the utilization of bronchoscopy. Intermittent transbronchial catheterization under fluoroscopic guidance has been suggested as a method to facilitate drainage. We have modified this technique by placing an indwelling intracavitary catheter, which allows irrigation and drainage over a prolonged period. This report describes this technique and our experience with 3 patients managed in this fashion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, St. Louis University Medical Center, MO 63104.
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Schmitt
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ohar
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Kanter
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Naunheim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001980:Bronchi; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008169:Lung Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents