title: Pleural space sterilization using gentian violet irrigation for postbullectomy empyema associated with artificial material infection.
abstract: Postoperative empyema associated with artificial material infection involves several treatment problems. We report the successful treatment of a case of post-bullectomy empyema with a small alveolar fistula that was associated with artificial material infection by Streptococcus viridans. In this case, complete empyema space sterilization was obtained by tube drainage and daily pleural irrigation using 0.1% gentian violet solution. This treatment circumvented the need for invasive surgery, including removal of the infected artificial materials and space-filling and/or collapse procedures. Consequently, gentian violet irrigation may be a useful treatment option in selected cases with complicated thoracic empyema.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, Numazu City Hospital, 550 Harunoki Higashi-shiiji, Numazu, Shizuoka 410-0302, Japan. asaik@msc.biglobe.ne.jp
authors.forename: Katsuyuki
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Asai
authors.forename: Norikazu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Urabe
authors.forename: Kazutoshi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Asano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005840:Gentian Violet / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D013242:Sterilization; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D013908:Thoracotomy; D034363:Viridans Streptococci
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D005840:Gentian Violet