Risk factors influencing postoperative pleural empyema in patients with pleural mesothelioma: a retrospective single-centre analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative empyema is a severe, potentially lethal complication also present, but poorly studied in patients undergoing surgery for pleural mesothelioma. We aimed to analyse which perioperative characteristics might be associated with an increased risk for postoperative empyema. METHODS: From September 1999 to February 2023 a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing surgery for pleural mesothelioma at the University Hospital of Zurich was performed. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated risk factors of postoperative empyema after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 400 PM patients were included in the analysis, of which n = 50 patients developed empyema after surgery (12.5%). Baseline demographics were comparable between patients with (Eyes) and without empyema (Eno). 39% (n = 156) patients underwent extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), of whom 22% (n = 35) developed postoperative pleural empyema; 6% (n = 15) of the remaining 244 patients undergoing pleurectomy and decortication (n = 46), extended pleurectomy and decortication (n = 114), partial pleurectomy (n = 54) or explorative thoracotomy (n = 30) resulted in postoperative empyema. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, EPP (odds ratio 2.8, 95% confidence interval 1.5-5.4, P = 0.002) emerged as the only risk factor associated with postoperative empyema when controlled for smoking status. Median overall survival was significantly worse for Eyes (16 months, interquartile range 5-27 months) than for Eno (18 months, interquartile range 8-35 months). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing EPP had a significantly higher risk of developing postoperative pleural empyema compared to patients undergoing other surgery types. Survival of patients with empyema was significantly shorter.

Successful surgical management of a pyothorax in a Guinea baboon (Papio papio).

A 16-year-old male Guinea baboon (Papio papio) was evaluated for weakness and focal wet fur of 1-week duration. A pyothorax caused by Streptococcus anginosus was diagnosed. A surgical approach was chosen, combined with a systemic antibiotic therapy. Medical imaging and C-reactive protein follow-up revealed the resolution of the pyothorax.

Thoracic empyema: aetiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this study was to review current key points in the aetiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of empyema thoracis. Early postpandemic trends have seen an increasing global incidence and evolution in the aetiology of empyema. Due to varied aetiology and typically lengthy treatment, empyema will be disproportionately affected by the rising tide of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), thus warranting attention and further research. RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple novel biomarkers (e.g. IL-36γ) are under investigation to aid diagnosis, while oral health assessment tools are now available for prognosticating and risk-stratifying patients with thoracic empyema. There exists an ongoing lack of evidence-based guidance surrounding antibiotic treatment duration, surgical intervention indication, and prognostic scoring utility. SUMMARY: Understanding aetiologies in different global regions and settings is pivotal for guiding empirical treatment. Antimicrobial resistance will make thoracic empyema increasingly challenging to treat and should prompt increased awareness of prescribing practices. Novel biomarkers are under investigation which may speed up differentiation of pleural effusion types, allowing faster cohorting of patients.Although newly identified predictors of morbidity and mortality have been suggested to be beneficial for incorporation into clinical practice, further work is required to prognosticate, risk-stratify, and standardize treatment.

Empyema Secondary to Pneumonia: Whom Should We Operate?

Introduction: Empyema secondary to pneumonia is a common condition. A significant number of patients will require surgical intervention for drainage and decortication. The aim of this study was to identify predictive factors for surgical intervention. Materials and Methods: The medical records of patients who were diagnosed with empyema secondary to pneumonia between the years 2010 and 2019 in a university hospital were included in the study. Patients who underwent surgical intervention were defined as group A and nonoperative treatment as group B. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from medical records and patients' chest computerized tomography (CT) scans were reviewed. Results: A total of 194 patients were included in the study-86 patients were included in group A and 108 patients in group B. Several parameters on admission were found to have a statistically significant correlation with surgical intervention: younger age, higher systolic blood pressure, and elevated white blood count. Multivariant analysis showed that younger age was found to have a statistically significant correlation with operative intervention (adjusted odds ratio = 0.971, P = .023). A statistically significant correlation between surgical intervention and survival (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.762, P = .046) and an inverse correlation between age and survival (adjusted HR = 0.050, P < .001) were found. Surgical intervention was associated with increased survival irrespective of age. A total of 42 CT scans were available for review. The mean density of the empyema fluid in group A was higher by 4.3 hounsfield units compared to group B (P < .067). Conclusions: Younger age was found to be associated with surgical intervention among patients suffering from empyema secondary to pneumonia. Surgical intervention was associated with increased long-term survival, irrespective of patients' age. Several radiologic characteristics were associated with the need for surgery in this study: empyema fluid density, pleural thickening, and fluid loculations. Additional prospective studies are required to ascertain these results.

Surgery-related outcomes from a close-knit surgeons' team in thoracic oncology.

Reducing morbidity, length of hospital stay, and readmission rate are of paramount importance to improve patients' care. In the present paper, we aim to describe our experience in managing major oncologic thoracic surgery in clinical practice. This is a retrospective experience over the last 7 years. Data from 215 consecutive patients (performed by a single-team of two surgeon) undergoing thoracic surgery were reviewed and evaluated. The total hospital mean stay was 3,3 days. Complications were represented by 4 hemothorax, 1 pleural empyema without fistula, 3 arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation), 2 pnuemonias and 1 chylotorax. No 30-day severe surgery-related complication occurred, no mortality. In 169 Vats procedures, no convertion was necessary. We conclude that a united team work represented by two close-knit surgeons, with similar clinical background, propensity to share problems, no competitive behavior, allow to do faster surgery, to standardize the procedure improving the post-operative outcomes of cancer patients.

Aspiration Pneumonia Caused by Prevotella Causing Prothorax after Pulmonary Puncture: a Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Aspiration pneumonia in patients in immunocompetent populations is rare, and secondary pyothorax due to puncture operations during treatment has been reported rarely. METHODS: We report a confirmed case of aspiration pneumonia caused by Prevotella. The pathogen was detected and confirmed using percutaneous lung puncture and high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS). RESULTS: The patient developed secondary pyothorax, severe rash, and exacerbation of symptoms following the lung puncture. Finally, after adjusting the antibiotic regimen and performing chest drainage and washout, the patient's lesions were absorbed, symptoms improved, and the rash disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: Prevotella aspiration pneumonia can occur in immunocompetent individuals, and invasive bronchoscopic alveolar lavage may be considered as an option to reduce the risk of infectious organism translocation.

[Management of Postoperative Surgical Site Infection and Empyema After Thoracic Surgery].

Surgical site infections (SSI)[wound infection, empyema] after thoracic surgery can lead to severe complications. Targeted antibiotic treatment and drainage are the keys. For the treatment of postoperative empyema without bronchopleural fistula, chest tube thoracostomy and irrigation with normal saline is effective. For postoperative empyema with bronchopleural fistula, open window thoracotomy is a good treatment option. Since the condition of empyema is different in each patient, treatment should be individualized depending on the patient's condition.

Rapidly progressive empyema in the setting of vaping in an otherwise healthy patient.

Vaping is defined as inhaling and exhaling vapour that is a product of heating a liquid or wax-like material. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become a popular method of smoking in the last decade and are advertised as an alternative to conventional smoking. Since the increase in e-cigarette use, various lung injury patterns have started to appear among users. Recent studies have shown an increased susceptibility to respiratory tract infections among e-cigarette/vaping product users. We present a case of pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas fluorescens complicated by rapidly developing empyema in an otherwise healthy patient.

Vertical musculocutaneous trapezius flap for the closure of postpneumonectomy empyema.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to present our experience with the vertical musculocutaneous trapezius (VMCT) flap and highlight its utility in the thoracic wall reconstruction in patients with bronchopleural fistula (BPF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a five case series of patients with long-standing cavities and BPF. The VMCT flap was used, and a direct pathway into the defect was made through a separate posterior thoracotomy shortening the distance between the flap and the defect. RESULTS: In 80% of the cases, the flap succeeded in solving the fistula and filling the defect, quality of life improved, and the need for oxygen decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Management of open window thoracostomy is challenging. Debridement, thoracoplasty, and flap coverage are the mainstream of their treatment, but these patients have scarce available muscle. The VMCT flap represents the major non-affected musculocutaneous unit in the thoracic area after lung surgery. Its dermal component offers a rigid matrix to form a seal over the bronchial stump. Its muscular component adds a good amount of vascularized tissue. No functional impairment has been described after its use.

OBJETIVO: Exponer nuestra experiencia con el colgajo vertical de trapecio y destacar su utilidad en la reconstrucción de la pared torácica en pacientes con fístulas broncopleurales. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Presentamos una serie de cinco pacientes con cavidades y fístulas broncopleurales de larga evolución. Utilizamos el colgajo musculocutáneo vertical de Trapecio, con un redireccionamiento del mismo a través de una ventana costal que permite acortar la distancia entre el colgajo y el defecto. RESULTADOS: La fístula y el defecto fueron solucionados en el 80% de los casos. La calidad de vida mejoró y las necesidades de oxígeno disminuyeron. CONCLUSIONES: El manejo de las toracotomías es un reto. El desbridamiento, toracoplastia y cobertura con colgajo son los pilares de su tratamiento, pero estos pacientes tienen escasa disponibilidad muscular. El colgajo musculocutáneo vertical de Trapecio representa la mayor unidad intacta musculocutánea en el tórax tras cirugía pulmonar. Su componente dérmico ofrece una matriz rígida para sellar el muñón bronquial, su componente muscular añade una gran cantidad de tejido vascularizado. No se han descrito déficits funcionales tras su uso.

Massive pleural empyema secondary to amoebic liver abscess in a child.

BACKGROUND: Pleural empyema secondary to a ruptured amoebic liver abscess is a rare complication in the pediatric population. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 13-year-old male with right flank abdominal pain, productive cough with foul-smelling sputum, fever, and respiratory distress. Physical examination revealed breathlessness, decreased vesicular murmur in the right hemithorax, abdominal distension, hepatomegaly, and lower limb edema. Laboratory tests revealed mild anemia, leukocytosis without eosinophilia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, hypoalbuminemia, and positive immunoglobulin G antibodies against Entamoeba histolytica in pleural fluid. He required a chest tube and treatment with metronidazole. After 2 months of follow-up, the abscesses disappeared, and the empyema decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Massive pleural empyema secondary to a ruptured liver abscess is a rare complication. The epidemiological link associated with the symptoms and serological tests can help in the diagnosis.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El empiema pleural secundario a ruptura de absceso amebiano hepático es una complicación poco frecuente en la población pediátrica. CASO CLÍNICO: Se reporta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 13 años que presentó dolor abdominal en flanco derecho, tos productiva con esputo de mal olor, fiebre y dificultad respiratoria. Al examen físico se encontró amplexación y murmullo vesicular disminuido en hemitórax derecho, distensión abdominal, hepatomegalia y edema de miembros inferiores. Los resultados del laboratorio evidenciaron anemia leve, leucocitosis sin eosinofilia, elevación de fosfatasa alcalina, hipoalbuminemia y anticuerpos IgG contra Entamoeba histolytica positivo en líquido pleural. Requirió tubo de drenaje torácico y tratamiento con metronidazol. A los dos meses de seguimiento los abscesos desaparecieron y el empiema disminuyó. CONCLUSIONES: El empiema pleural masivo secundario a ruptura de absceso hepático es una complicación poco frecuente. El nexo epidemiológico asociado con la sintomatología y pruebas serológicas pueden ser de ayuda en el diagnóstico.

[Uniportal thoracoscopic thorough debridement for tubercular empyema with abscess of the chest wall].

Objective: To examine the feasibility and technical considerations of thorough debridement using uniportal thoracoscopic surgery for tuberculous empyema complicated by chest wall tuberculosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 38 patients who underwent comprehensive uniportal thoracoscopy debridement for empyema complicated by chest wall tuberculosis in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, from March 2019 to August 2021. There were 23 males and 15 females, aged (M(IQR)) 30 (25) years (range: 18 to 78 years). The patients were cleared of chest wall tuberculosis under general anesthesia and underwent an incision through the intercostal sinus, followed by the whole fiberboard decortication method. Chest tube drainage was used for pleural cavity disease and negative pressure drainage for chest wall tuberculosis with SB tube, and without muscle flap filling and pressure bandaging. If there was no air leakage, the chest tube was removed first, followed by the removal of the SB tube after 2 to 7 days if there was no obvious residual cavity on the CT scan. The patients were followed up in outpatient clinics and by telephone until October 2022. Results: The operation time was 2.0 (1.5) h (range: 1 to 5 h), and blood loss during the operation was 100 (175) ml (range: 100 to 1 200 ml). The most common postoperative complication was prolonged air leak, with an incidence rate of 81.6% (31/38). The postoperative drainage time of the chest tube was 14 (12) days (range: 2 to 31 days) and the postoperative drainage time of the SB tube was 21 (14) days (range: 4 to 40 days). The follow-up time was 25 (11) months (range: 13 to 42 months). All patients had primary healing of their incisions and there was no tuberculosis recurrence during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Uniportal thoracoscopic thorough debridement combined with postoperative standardized antituberculosis treatment is safe and feasible for the treatment of tuberculous empyema with chest wall tuberculosis, which could achieve a good long-term recovery effect.

13019Tension pyopneumothorax caused by Parvimonas micra: a case report.

Tension pyopneumothorax is a rare and life-threatening complication of pneumonia, lung abscess, and empyema, and immediate thoracic drainage or surgery is required. A 70-year-old man presented to another hospital 2 weeks after exacerbation of dyspnea and anorexia. Chest X-ray imaging revealed leftward deviation of the mediastinum, pleural effusion, and collapse of the right lung. The patient was referred to our hospital for surgical treatment. He underwent chest drainage immediately after the transfer. The patient's blood pressure was elevated after drainage. Chest X-ray imaging showed improvement in the mediastinal deviation, but expansion failure of the lung occurred. Debridement and parietal and visceral decortications were performed under thoracotomy. The thoracic cavity was irrigated using a pulse lavage irrigation system with 12,000 mL of saline. The patient underwent fibrinolytic therapy with intrathoracic urokinase postoperatively because of persistent high inflammatory marker levels and multilocular pleural effusion. Parvimonas micra was detected in the preoperative pleural fluid culture. He was discharged on postoperative day 22 and followed up as an outpatient afterwards. Two years have passed since the surgery, and there has been no recurrence of empyema. Decortication of the parietal and visceral pleura and irrigation using a pulse lavage irrigation system were effective.

Etiology and effusion characteristics in 29 cats and 60 dogs with pyothorax (2010-2020).

BACKGROUND: Pyothorax, an accumulation of inflammatory fluid in the pleural space, is often caused by foreign body inhalation in dogs, whereas the etiology in cats can be more difficult to discern. OBJECTIVE: Compare clinical, microbiologic findings, and etiology in cats and dogs with pyothorax. ANIMALS: Twenty-nine cats and 60 dogs. METHODS: Medical records of cats and dogs diagnosed with pyothorax from 2010 to 2020 were reviewed. Clinical findings, fluid analysis, and microbiologic results were retrieved. RESULTS: Antimicrobials had been administered to equal proportions of cats and dogs before fluid sampling (45% and 47%). Groups did not differ in age or total protein concentration or percentage neutrophils in pleural fluid, but effusion cell count was significantly higher in cats than in dogs (P = .01). Neutrophils containing intracellular bacteria were identified in more cats (27/29, 93%) than dogs (44/60, 73%; P = .05). Penetrating damage to the thorax was implicated as the cause of pyothorax in equal percentages of cats (76%) and dogs (75%). Etiology could not be determined in 2 cats and 1 dog. Cats had higher numbers of bacterial isolates per patient (median, 3) than dogs (median, 1; P = .01) and anaerobes were isolated more often in cats (23/29, 73%) than in dogs (27/60, 45%; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Pyothorax had similar etiologies in cats and dogs. Cats had higher fluid cell counts, higher numbers of bacterial isolates identified per patient, and intracellular bacteria detected more commonly than did dogs.

Operative versus percutaneous drainage with fibrinolysis for complicated pediatric pleural effusions: A nationwide analysis.

PURPOSE: Management of complicated pleural effusions and empyema using tube thoracostomy with intrapleural fibrinolysis versus surgical drainage has been debated for decades. However, there remains considerable variation in management with these approaches in the pediatric population. This study aims to compare the nationwide outcomes of pediatric patients with complicated pleural effusions. METHODS: Patients <18 years old with a diagnosis of pleural effusion or empyema associated with pneumonia were identified from the Nationwide Readmissions Database (2016-2018). Demographics, hospital characteristics, and complications were compared among patients undergoing isolated percutaneous drainage (PD), percutaneous drainage with intrapleural fibrinolysis (PDF), or operative drainage (OD) using standard statistical tests. RESULTS: 5424 patients (age 4 [IQR 1-11] years) were identified with a pleural effusion or empyema who underwent percutaneous or surgical intervention. PD (22%) and OD (24%) were utilized more frequently than PDF (3%). Index complications, including bleeding and postprocedural air leak, were similar between groups. Those receiving PDF had lower index length of stay (LOS) and admission costs. Thirty-day and overall readmission rates were highest in patients receiving PD (15% and 24%) and OD (12% and 23%) versus PDF, all p < 0.001. Those receiving OD had fewer readmission complications including recurrent effusion or empyema, pneumonia, and bleeding. Overall readmission cost was highest in those receiving PD (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: In this nationwide cohort, PDF was associated with lower index admission cost, shorter LOS and lower rates of readmissions compared to OD. This knowledge should be used to improve selection of these treatments in this patient population. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Comparative LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Clostridioides difficile recovered in pleural fluid: Contamination or infection? A case report of a proven empyema and a literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Pleural empyema is an infrequent manifestation of extraintestinal Clostridioidesdifficile infection, with just eight cases reported in literature. METHODS: We report a new case in a 70-year-old male without comorbidities or evidence of concomitant gastrointestinal disease, and review the previous cases reported in the literature. RESULTS: The isolate was susceptible to all antimicrobial tested and was negative for A+B toxins. The patient fully recovered after drainages and antimicrobial therapy with amoxicillin-clavulanate and doxycycline. CONCLUSION: As in the previously reported cases, aspiration was the most plausible hypothesis of mechanism of infection in our patient. Empyema by Clostridioidesdifficile is a diagnostic challenge, since it is necessary to rule out that the isolation of this microorganism in pleural fluid is not a contamination. Furthermore, more evidence is needed for its treatment since data regarding this entity are still scarce.

Duration of antimicrobial therapy after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for thoracic empyema and complicated parapneumonic effusion: A single-center study.

BACKGROUND: There are no evidence-based reports on the proper duration of antimicrobial therapy following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery debridement (VATS-D) in thoracic empyema (TE) or complicated parapneumonic effusion (PPE). This study aimed to investigate the optimal duration of antimicrobial therapy after VATS-D. METHODS: Between January 2011 and December 2019, 33 patients corresponding to American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) category 3 or 4 undergoing VATS-D were included. The times until the body temperature (BT) was confirmed to be less than 37.5 °C and 37.0 °C, white blood cell count (WBC) less than 10,000/µl, segmented neutrophils (seg) less than 80%, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level less than 25% of the preoperative value were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The median time from the onset of TE/PPE to surgery was 13 days. The median durations of preoperative and postoperative antibiotic use were five and seven days, respectively. Major complications occurred in four cases (three and one cases of respiratory failure and cerebral infarction, respectively). The median postoperative hospital stay was 14 days. Recurrence or progression to chronic empyema was seen in four cases. The median numbers of days until the conditions were met were three days for BT < 37.5 °C, six days for BT < 37.0 °C, four days for WBC<10,000, seven days for seg<80% and seven days for CRP<25%. CONCLUSIONS: The proper duration of antimicrobial therapy after VATS-D for TE/PPE is approximately three to seven days. Urgent VATS-D may shorten the total antibiotic usage.