title: Management of empyema after lung resections (pneumonectomy/lobectomy).
abstract: Empyemas that complicate lung resection are an uncommon but morbid and too-often deadly sequela, particularly after pneumonectomy. Knowledge of the conditions that place patients at high risk for this complication and of the well-established principles of bronchial stump closure are crucial to preventing empyemas. One should be familiar with the various options of stump reinforcement and should use them aggressively, particularly in high-risk situations. Prompt recognition of this complication demands immediate intervention and drainage of the empyema space to minimize the risks of aspiration to the remaining lung. The principles that guide the management of these empyemas are those established by Clagett and Geraci 40 years ago [37]. Modern variations of these guidelines have allowed improved results and a more timely recovery and should be considered in low-risk patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356310, Seattle, WA 98195-3610, USA. evallier@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vallières
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D004653:Empyema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013907:Thoracostomy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome