[Septic complications of penetrating thoracic injuries].

224 cases of septic complications after penetrating thoracic injuries were analyzed. Pleura empyem was observed in 105 of 7572 patients (overall number of the injured), lung abscess - in 22 cases, pericarditis was diagnosed in 108 patients, costal and sternal osteomyelitis - in 26 and mediastinitis - in 21 patients. Overall frequency of septic complication was 2,96%. Main reasons of septic complications were: massive blood loss, initial contamination, thoracotomy through the initially infected wound, long -lasting and coagulated hemothorax and late diagnosis and hospitalization. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent microbe detected - 29,4%. Lethality rate was 9,8% (22 patients). Adequate drainage of the wound allowed rehabilitation of the majority of patients. Cases with costal osteomyelitis required major surgical dissection in 73,1%.