[The importance of thoracostomy in treating pleural empyema with bronchial fistulae in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis].

In contrast to the nonspecific pleural empyemas, which are managed effectively by closed methods of débridement, management of patients with tuberculous pleural empyema and bronchial fistulas requires early application of thoracostoma, which allows cavity débridement, long-term antituberculous chemotherapy and preparation to radical surgery. This was confirmed by the comparative analysis of the results of radical operations after closed and open methods of management of empyema cavity in 139 patients. The site of thoracostoma application is determined by the location and size of an abscess and the forthcoming radical operation. Long-action bandages with chlorhexidine bigluconate and ultraviolet radiation are prescribed for the débridement of open pleural empyemas.