[Characteristics of the use of radiation from various types of lasers in the surgical treatment of patients with pleural empyema].

The article analyses experience in the use of beams of various types of lasers in treatment of 152 patients with different forms of pyothorax of tuberculous and nontuberculous origin. Semiconductor and carbon dioxide laser devices were used in the stages of surgical treatment. Methods for the use of lasers in the pre- and postoperative periods and during the operation are described. With the use of laser beams in the stages of surgical treatment the traumatic character of the intervention is lessened, blood loss during the operation reduced, the walls of the empyema are sterilized effectively, the incidence of postoperative complications diminishes, and the clinical efficacy of surgical management of this severe contingent of patients is improved.