Failure of tube thoracostomy for post-traumatic empyema: an indication for early decortication.

Post-traumatic empyema has occurred in seven patients despite chest tube drainage and antibiotics. Early pleural decortication resulted in complete recovery of all patients with early discharge from the hospital in most instances. The surgical procedure is technically simple to perform if carried out before the organization of the pleural exudate. Criteria are offered for early decortication of the lung for post-traumatic empyema. They are: 1) Residual air-fluid levels despite chest tube drainage. 2) A clinically deteriorating course with evidence of infection or sepsis arising from the pleura. 3) Pleural restriction with inadequate expansion of the lung resulting in compromised ventilatory function. 4) Failure of chest tubes to allow for resolution of pleural contamination within 14 days of injury. If such indications are employed, excellent results can be anticipated from early decortication of post-traumatic empyema.