• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.504-506
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• 1995

Postpneumonectomy empyema is an infrequent but dreaded complication. The seriousness of this complication is impossible to eliminate the space containing the infection, and consequently, it is difficult to sterilize the space. The time from pneumonectomy to the development of an empyema ranges from several days to several years, with most evident with 4 weeks. We experienced a case of postpneumonectomy empyema that occurred 27 1/2 years after initial pneumonectomy. She was treated with intrapleural antiseptic irrigation and open-tube drainage following partial decortication. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged from hospital with improved condition.