PLEURAL PATHOLOGY. URGENT THORACIC SURGERY IN PNEUMOLOGY

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumothorax and pleural empyema are most common chest diseases requiring co-operation of thoracic surgery and pneumonology. Regardless of causative mechanism, both diseases in an acute phase have to be thought of as severe condition, which needs adequate an expeditous treatment. The primary goal of managing spontaneous spontaneous pneumothorax and empyema is to evacuate the air and/or purulent collections and assure re-expansion of the lung. This article discusses the tactics in diagnosis and treatment, focusing on indications for urgent thoracic interventions, patients follow-up and elective surgery in selected cases.