Thoracic empyema--a delayed complication of excluded benign thoracic oesophagus. Case report.

Delayed 'blow-out' of retained thoracic oesophagus, 2 years after its exclusion for iatrogenic oesophageal perforation, gave rise to thoracic empyema. Oesophageal exclusion performed for benign, non-caustic conditions tends particularly to cause complications. Excision of the oesophageal remnant should therefore be considered in restoration of alimentary-tract continuity.