A thorough review of all the methods for postpneumonectomy empyema treatment is presented. Surgical principles of treatment include evacuation of pus and debridement of the infected tissue combined with obliteration, marsupialization, or opening of the infected cavity. The indications, advantages and disadvantages of the different surgical procedures are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the accelerated methods and video-assisted thoracoscopic debridement in the management in this severe complication associated with bronchopleural fistula. Postpneumonectomy empyema treatment as a combination of several methods should be individually tailored. Accelerated Weder procedure is an effective method in postpneumonectomy empyema with or without bronchopleural fistula.
Scripta Scientifica Medica 2013; 45(3): 16-22.