What is an Eloesser flap procedure?

Eloesser flap is a single-stage procedure for the treatment of severe pleural empyema, and involves a U-shaped incision and the resection of a number of subjacent posterolateral ribs. The U-shaped flap is then folded into the pleural space creating a permanent communication.

What is a Eloesser window?

In contrast, the Eloesser flap is intended to create a permanent drainage window into the pleural space. Although potentially lifesaving, the Eloesser flap window commits the patient to a prolonged period of dressing changes and frequent annoyances with soiling of clothes and bed linens.

What is Open Window Thoracostomy?

Conclusions: Currently, open window thoracostomy is used to treat complex empyema incurred from pulmonary resection, cancer and/or infection in patients that cannot be managed by more conservative strategies. Overall mortality and morbidity rates are acceptable in this debilitated patient group.

Why is pleurodesis performed?

Pleurodesis is a procedure performed to obliterate the pleural space to prevent recurrent pleural effusion or pneumothorax or to treat a persistent pneumothorax.

Is empyema a type of pleural effusion?

Pleural empyema is a collection of pus in the pleural cavity caused by microorganisms, usually bacteria. Often it happens in the context of a pneumonia, injury, or chest surgery. It is one of the various kinds of pleural effusion.

Is pleurodesis a major surgery?

Most people undergo pleurodesis without any major problems. However, like all medical treatments, it does have some risks: • Some people experience chest pain after pleurodesis treatment. We will give you painkillers before the procedure to reduce this.

How long can you live with pleurodesis?

Median survival time was 10.5 months (range 0.2–60.3). The OS curve after VATS talc pleurodesis showed a one‐year survival rate of 44.2%, three‐year survival rate of 10.2%, and five‐year survival rate of 2.2% (Fig ​1).