Evaluation of chronic empyema

We evaluated the clinical findings and quality of life of 25 patients with chronic empyema. Treatment was decortication in 5 cases, decortication plus lobectomy in 2 cases, decortication plus thoracoplasty in 5 cases, decortication plus lobectomy plus thoracoplasty in 2 cases, drainage in 7 cases and conservative therapy in 4 cases.1) In the decortication plus lobectomy plus thoracoplasty group the postoperative %VC was significantly lower than the preoperative value.2) In the decortication group and the decortication plus lobectomy plus thoracoplasty group there was significant postoperative weight gain.It was concluded that chronic empyema greatly reduces physical strength.