Pus is a fluid filled with immune cells, dead cells, and bacteria. Empyema is a condition in which pus accumulates in the area between the lungs and the inner surface of the chest wall. This area is known as the pleural space. Empyema, also called pyothorax or purulent pleuritis, usually develops after pneumonia, which is an infection of the lung tissue. Pus in the pleural space can’t be coughed out. Instead, it needs to be drained by a needle or surgery.
The goal of the treatment is to remove the pus, drain the fluid from the pleura and treatment of the infection. Underlying infection is treated with antibiotics. Depending on the type of bacteria that’s causing the infection, different antibiotics will be prescribed.
Draining the pus is the next step. The method used will depend on what stage the empyema is at.
A plastic tube will be inserted into your chest (between two ribs) to a suction device and the fluid will be removed. A medication may also be injected to help drain out the fluid.
The pleural peel will be peeled away by your surgeon and this will help prevent permanent disability.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat problems in your chest. During a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery procedure, a tiny camera (thoracoscope) and surgical instruments are inserted into your chest through several small incisions. The thoracoscope transmits images of the inside of your chest onto a video monitor, guiding the surgeon in performing the procedure.