The management of empyema thoracis by thoracoscopy and irrigation.

A technique of irrigation for the management of empyema is described. Initial thoracoscopy under general anesthesia enabled full debridement and division of loculi within the empyema cavity under direct vision. Irrigation with two tubes was instituted until three consecutive cultures of irrigation fluid became sterile; then the chest drains were removed. The results in 12 patients are presented. Using this method, irrigation was required for an average of 14 days and chest drains were removed after an average of 20 days. Patients remained in the hospital for an average of 4.8 weeks. Tuberculous empyema was not found to be a contraindication to the irrigation technique.