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Therapeutic strategy and efficacy evaluation of chronic empyema after total pneumonectomy: individualized analysis of six patients

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic empyema after total pneumonectomy is a potentially fatal complication.The aim of the study is to explore the treatment strategy and clinical efficacy of chronic empyema after pneumonectomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 6 patients with chronic empyema after pneumonectomy in our hospital. Utilizing a staged surgical model, the treatment approach involved rib debridement drainage, open-window thoracostomy (OWT), and the application of autologous tissue flaps, including free myocutaneous flap, pedicled muscle flap, and pedicled greater omentum, to effectively eliminate the abscess cavity. RESULTS: All patients with empyema were successfully treated after surgery, with follow-up durations ranging from 3 to 29 months and an average of (10.50 ± 9.67) months. Re-examination using chest computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that the empyema residual cavity had either completely disappeared or had significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: The treatment of chronic refractory empyema after total pneumonectomy by rib debridement drainage, OWT and autologous tissue flap transplantation has a high cure rate and satisfactory clinical effect.

Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery

DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-03246-0