RECURRENCES AFTER OPERATIONS FOR EMPYEMA

The final results of the treatment of empyema of the chest can be ascertained only after the elapse of a considerable period. This period is of variable length and depends on the organism causing the infection, on the size and shape of the cavity, and on the particular method of treatment adopted. There is a minimum possibility of recurrence when the sinus has been completely obliterated by a gradual approximation and cicatrization of its walls. Recurrences are more common when an empyema is allowed to close while a cavity containing air still exists. If the Carrel-Dakin treatment has not been used to sterilize the cavity, the percentage of recurrences is particularly high. In addition, there are two other possible causes of reaccumulations of pus; either that isolated collections have escaped detection throughout the period of drainage, or that a part of the cavity has become sequestrated by a contraction of