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A pleural effusion is accumulation of excessive fluid in the pleural space, the potential space that surrounds each lung.Under normal conditions, pleural fluid is secreted by the parietal pleural capillaries at a rate of 0.6 millilitre per kilogram weight per hour, and is cleared by lymphatic absorption leaving behind only 5–15 millilitres of fluid, which helps to maintain a functional ...
Pleural empyema is a collection of pus in the pleural cavity caused by microorganisms, usually bacteria. [1] Often it happens in the context of a pneumonia, injury, or chest surgery. [1] It is one of the various kinds of pleural effusion.
A parapneumonic effusion is a type of pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity) that arises as a result of a pneumonia, lung abscess, or bronchiectasis. [1] There are three types of parapneumonic effusions: uncomplicated effusions, complicated effusions, and empyema. Uncomplicated effusions generally respond well to ...
Lobectomies share many of the complications that come with a pneumonectomy. However, additional risks that can result from a lobectomy include empyema, which is an area of pus in the chest cavity, as well as pleural effusion, which occurs as a result of fluid in the space between the lung and inner chest wall. [39]
Injury to the liver, spleen or diaphragm is also possible if the tube is placed behind (inferior) to the pleural cavity or is mispositioned. Injuries to the thoracic aorta and heart can also occur. [5] [8] The rate of complications of chest tubes inserted for trauma-related treatment needs has been estimated at approximately 19%. [9]
A technique called pleurodesis can be used to intentionally create scar tissue within the pleural space, usually as a treatment for repeated episodes of a punctured lung, known as a pneumothorax, or for pleural effusions caused by cancer. While this procedure usually generates only limited scar tissue, in rare cases a fibrothorax can develop. [6]
A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure to gain access into the pleural space of the chest. [1] It is performed by surgeons (emergency physicians or paramedics under certain circumstances) to gain access to the thoracic organs, most commonly the heart, the lungs, or the esophagus, or for access to the thoracic aorta or the anterior spine (the latter may be necessary to access tumors in the spine).
A subpulmonic effusion is excess fluid that collects at the base of the lung, in the space between the pleura and diaphragm. It is a type of pleural effusion in which the fluid collects in this particular space but can be "layered out" with decubitus chest radiographs.