Change in Pulmonary Function Following Decortication for Chronic Pleural Empyema

OBJECTIVES: Chronic empyema is the final stage of the triphasic pathogenesis of empyema characterised by fibrin deposits in both pleural surfaces leading to thickened pleural peel. This restricts the lung movements giving rise to trapped lung and impairs pulmonary function. The aim of this study was to determine the change in pulmonary function following decortication for chronic empyema.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 35 patients with chronic pleural empyema who underwent decortication via a posterolateral thoracotomy between July 2016 and July 2017 were reviewed and followed up 6 ± 3 months after surgery. All patients had a pulmonary function test done using spirometry before and after surgery. Pre-operation spirometric values [mean forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and Mean forced vital capacity (FVC)] were compared with post-operation data obtained during follow up and the change was quantified by statistical analysis.

RESULTS: FEV1 was 70.51 before surgery vs. 83.43 after surgery (p < 0.001). FVC was 69.74% before surgery vs. 85.40% after surgery (p < 0.001). There was no influence of bacteriology, side of the lesion, smoking habit or diabetes mellitus before operation on lung function (p>001).

CONCLUSION: Decortication and pleurectomy via a posterolateral thoracotomy result in significant clinico-functional improvement in patients with chronic empyema regardless of bacteriology, side of the lesion, smoking habit or diabetic status.

Cite this article as: Abraham SV, Chikkahonnaiah P. Change in Pulmonary Function Following Decortication for Chronic Pleural Empyema. Turk Thorac J 2020; 21(1): 27-31.