Change in Pulmonary Function Following Decortication for Chronic Pleural Empyema

Özet

OBJECTIVES: Chronic empyema is the final stage of the triphasic pathogenesis of empyema that is characterized by fibrin deposits in bothpleural surfaces, leading to the formation of a thickened pleural peel. This restricts the lung movements, giving rise to a trapped lung andimpairment of pulmonary function. The aim of this study was to determine the change in pulmonary function following decorticationfor chronic empyema.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 35 patients with chronic pleural empyema who underwent decortication via a posterolateralthoracotomy between July 2016 and July 2017 were reviewed and followed-up for 6±3 months after surgery. All patients underwent apulmonary function test using spirometry before and after surgery. Pre-operation spirometry values [mean forced expiratory volume in1s (FEV1) and mean forced vital capacity (FVC)] were compared with the post-operation data obtained during follow-up and the changewas quantified by statistical analysis.RESULTS: FEV1 was 70.51% before surgery vs. 83.43% after surgery (p 0.01).CONCLUSION: Decortication and pleurectomy via a posterolateral thoracotomy resulted in significant clinico-functional improvementin patients with chronic empyema, regardless of the bacteriology, side of occurrence of the lesion, smoking habit, or diabetic status ofthe patient.