Modified thoracostomy window as a surgical treatment for chronic pleuropulmonary infections.

ABSTRACT:

Background

It has been reported that up to 30% of patients with empyema require surgical intervention, with procedures such as the Clagett pleural window or the Eloesser flap being the last resort. The objective of this study was to compare the postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing a conventional thoracic window versus a modified technique.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study between 2012 and 2023 of patients who underwent a conventional or modified thoracic window. The modified technique involved resecting 4 cm of the costal arch, typically at the level of the 5th or 6th rib. The opening was maintained patent, with its edges protected by an Alexis retractor until the infectious process resolved.

Results

We performed a total of 58 procedures betw

SUBMITTER: Bolanos-Morales FV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12268712 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature