Abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Early thoracotomy and decortication is safe and efficient in the treatment of empyema thoracis in adults. However, the socioeconomical impact of this procedure is still vague - OBJECTIVES: To assess ,the socioeconomical impact of surgical treatment for empyema in adults. - METHODS: Prospectively reviewed 53 patients surgically treated for empyema during 2009-2011 in our centre. All patients underwent chest Xrays,pulse oximetry, spirometry and completed the SF-36v2TM Health Survey Score Questionnaire before surgery and at day 7 ,90 and 180 after that. Quality of life, work attendance and health insurance records were followed up during the same intervals and clinical follow up was performed. SPSSv12.0 was used for statistical analysis. - RESULTS: Patients: 12 females and 41 males (mean age 58.9 years, range 18-65 years). Mean duration of procedure was 68 min (range 50-195 min). No procedure associated complications or deaths recorded. Duration of presenting symptoms prior to surgical treatment and clinical severity upon presentation were associated with a deprived quality of social life for 6 months post surgery (p=0.03), signs of depression (p=0.04) and increased rates of sick leave (p=0.04). Clinical status post surgery significantly improved(p=0.02). Mean duration of sick leave: 33 days for white and 50 days for blue collar workers, not significantly affecting their earnings (p> 0.05). - CONCLUSIONS: Complicated empyema thoracis requiring surgical treatment :per se a debilitating clinical entity,with significant impact in quality of life with many professional and social implications.
- © 2013 ERS
