What is decortication of empyema?

What is decortication of empyema?

Decortication is a surgical procedure aimed to remove a restrictive layer of fibrous membrane overlying the lung parenchyma, diaphragm, and chest wall. The ultimate goal is to allow parenchymal re-expansion.

How is decortication performed?

Decortication can be performed using the following methods: minimally-invasive (small incisions of 2–3 inches long / general anesthesia), or open-surgery (large incisions of 8-10 inches long / general anesthesia). The type of method chosen will vary based on your medical condition.

What are the surgical management of empyema?

Appropriate management of empyema should include: adequate systemic antibiotics to sterilize the empyema cavity, adequate pleural fluid drainage, adequate lung expansion to obliterate the empyema cavity (this should include removing the internal obstruction such as mucus, foreign body, etc., and removing the external …

Can empyema be cured?

Treatment. The goal of treatment is to cure the infection and remove the collection of pus from the lung. Antibiotics are prescribed to control the infection. A doctor will place a chest tube to completely drain the pus.

Does empyema go away?

The outlook for empyema with prompt treatment is good. Long-term damage to the lungs is rare. You should finish your prescribed antibiotics and go in for a follow-up chest X-ray.

When is decortication used?

Decortication is frequently necessary when other minor interventions (eg, chest tube) have not resulted in clearance of the infection or hemothorax. Tuberculous empyema is usually first treated with drugs, and decortication is only undertaken after long-term drug therapy fails.

What is the treatment for empyema?

The goal of treating empyema is to remove the infection from the lung and cure the infection. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the infection and use a chest tube to drain the pus.

What is the medical management of empyema?

Treatment is aimed at removing the pus and fluid from the pleura and treating the infection. Antibiotics are used to treat the underlying infection. The specific type of antibiotic depends on what type of bacteria is causing the infection. The method used to drain the pus depends on the stage of the empyema.

When to use decortication for thoracic empyema?

Decortication for empyema is a well-established procedure and is based on sound surgical principles. When applied in properly selected patients, rapid recovery with a good functional result is to be expected.

How is decortication used to treat lung parenchyma?

Lung decortication is a simple yet formidable procedure. It involves the excision of the thick fibrinous peel from the pleural surface, thereby permitting the expansion of the underlying lung parenchyma. Patients with long-standing empyema, pleural thickening, hemothorax, and pleural tumors are candidates for decortication.

How long does it take for empyema to clear up?

After 2 weeks the fibrous tissue thickens and starts to coat the lung like a thick layer of orange peel. This peel traps the lung and the lung cannot expand properly. Most people feel very unwell with an empyema. How is an empyema treated?

When do you need a keyhole operation for empyema?

If this does not clear the infection a keyhole operation may be needed to help clear the infection. Once peel covers the lung, or if a keyhole operation does not clear the infection enough, a bigger operation is needed to free the lung. The operation to remove infected fibrous tissue is called decortication.