Thoracoplasty: its forgotten role in the management of nontuberculous postpneumonectomy empyema.

The role of thoracoplasty in the management of empyema complicating pneumonectomy is controversial because alternative techniques, such as pedicled muscle transplants or open-space sterilization, have now replaced the conventional collapse procedures. Among 46 patients treated for postpneumonectomy empyema during the years 1975 to 1984, 17 underwent space-reducing thoracoplasty as the final step in pleural space management. Technical considerations, critical in the success of the operation, were: (a) single-stage extramusculoperiosteal resection of the second to the seventh rib, (b) sparing of the first rib to maintain integrity of the neck and shoulder girdle, (c) intercostal muscle closure of large fistulas and (d) adequate drainage of pleural and extrapleural spaces. Immediate control of the empyema was obtained in 15 (88%) patients. Fourteen patients were alive at the time of follow-up (mean 4.5 years) and none had major thoracic deformity or residual infection. Our data show that thoracoplasty is an excellent therapeutic option for patients with chronic postpneumonectomy empyema. Adherence to strict surgical principles ensures that the space is obliterated and the cosmetic result is satisfactory.