Nontuberculous empyema: a clinical experience.

Nontuberculous empyema is a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the hospitalized patient. Bronchopulmonary infection remains the most common predisposing factor. A retrospective analysis of 85 patients over a 9-year period was performed. Following confirmation of empyema, closed chest tube thoracostomy provided adequate drainage in the majority of patients. Comparison with an earlier experience at the same institution showed an increase in anaerobic isolates and a decrease in postoperative empyema.