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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2013; 61(07): 642-645
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1330226
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Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Successful Management of a Massive Residual Space Empyema Using Intrathoracic Vacuum-Assisted Instillation

Akmal M. A. Badreldin
1   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CardioClinic, Cologne, NRW, Germany
2   Department of Cardiology, Catholic Hospital Koblenz-Marienhof, Koblenz, Germany
,
Rolf Dieter Bader
3   Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Plastic Surgery, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
,
Khosro Hekmat
1   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CardioClinic, Cologne, NRW, Germany
4   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, NRW, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

21 July 2012

28 August 2012

Publication Date:
23 January 2013 (online)

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Abstract

There is no universally accepted single line treatment for residual space empyema. Recently, the vacuum-assisted instillation therapy was applied for wounds in different anatomical positions. However, it has not yet been applied as an intrathoracic management. Herein, we describe the first experience of intrathoracic vacuum-assisted instillation therapy for residual space empyema after extended thoracic surgery. It appears to be an attractive treatment option for patients with large contaminated pleural cavities in preparation for reconstructive surgery.

Keywords

empyema - infection - surgery - complications
 

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