Thoracic Empyema: A 12-Year Study from a UK Tertiary Cardiothoracic Referral Centre

Abstract

Empyema remains an important cause of morbidity and hospital admissions. Microbiological diagnosis was only achieved in just over 50% of cases, and tuberculosis is a notable causative organism. Treatment of empyema with VATS may reduce duration of hospital stay. Raised RDW appears to associate with early mortality.