Joppich I, Liedgens P
Kinderchirurgische Klinik, Klinikum Mannheim, Fakultät für Klinische Medizin, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim.
Langenbecks Arch Chir Suppl II Verh Dtsch Ges Chir. 1989:207-9.
Empyema is a rare parapneumonic complication in children. The use of antibiotics and closed-tube thoracostomy drainage has superseded operative procedures like decortication even in anaerobic infections. Only a few authors still recommend early decortication. However empyemas based on malformations such as lobar emphysema or cystic lung should be treated surgically.
