title: Pneumonectomy through an empyema.
abstract: In the 10 year period from May, 1973, to May, 1983, a total of 251 pneumonectomies were undertaken. Total unilateral bronchiectasis, the consequence of previous tuberculosis, occurred in 67.3% of cases and was the major indication for pneumonectomy. Of the 251 pneumonectomies, 14.7% were done through an empyema. The management of patients undergoing this procedure is discussed. There were two operative deaths among the 37 patients. Postpneumonectomy empyema developed in 16 patients (45.7%), and five of these patients required thoracoplasty, five left the hospital with an open drain or sinus, and in six the empyema was sterilized.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001987:Bronchiectasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004654:Empyema, Tuberculous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D014396:Tuberculosis, Pleural / Q000209:etiology*; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications*