Volume 8, Number 42; December 12, 2007 Lung Abscess - Drainage

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Unique Identifier [PMID]: 12374359

Authors: Wali SO. Shugaeri A. Samman YS. Abdelaziz M.

Institution: Respiratory Section, Department of Medicine, King Khalid National Guard Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. waliso@ngha.med.sa

Title: Percutaneous drainage of pyogenic lung abscess. [Review] [41 refs]

Source: Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases. 34(9):673-9, 2002.

Abstract: Although lung abscesses are successfully treated with antibiotics in 80-90% of cases, this conservative approach may occasionally fail. In cases of failure, pulmonary resection is usually advised. Although it remains controversial, an alternative therapy in such situations is percutaneous transthoracic tube drainage (PTTD). Herein we review the medical literature on PTTD from the last 25 y, focusing on its efficacy, indications, technique, complications and mortality. We conclude that PTTD is a safe, simple and efficacious tool for the management of refractory lung abscess. Complications relating to the procedure occurred in 9.7% of cases and included catheter occlusion, chest pain, pneumothorax and hemothorax. The overall mortality rate secondary to lung abscess was acceptable (4.8%). [References: 41]

Publication Type: Journal Article. Review.

Resident Report / Department of Medicine & Grady Branch Library

Emory University School of Medicine

2007 Edition

Participating Faculty:  Carlos Del Rio MD  / Joyce Doyle MD / Lorenzo Difrancesco MD / Rachel Del Favero MD / Lewis Satterwhite  MD

Contact: Karl Woodworth