Background: Empyema thoracis, defined as a collection of pus in the pleural space

Aims: To study the clinical, microbiological and treatment outcomes obtained by ICD care in tertiary care hospital.

Methodology: A prospective study conducted in tertiary care hospital in 15 patients diagnosed as empyema thoracis

Results: In the study, male-to-female ratio was 2:1. Their mean age was 47.86 years. The commonest symptoms at presentation were cough, seen in 14 patients (93.33%).Sputum was positive for AFB by ZN stain in 6 patients (40%) out of 15 in present study. Pseudomonas were isolated most frequently from empyema fluid in 6 patients (40%), followed by sterile pus in 4 (26.66%). Patient was treated with tube thoracostomy connected to an underwater seal drainage and systemic antibiotics, with this approach complete expansion of the lung seen in 8 patients (53.33%), while 3 patients (20%) had only partial expansion, 2 (13.33%)  patients had empyema with bronchopleural fistula (BPF) and referred to the cardiovascular thoracic surgery department for decortication.

Conclusion: It can be concluded from the above study that, all patients of empyema have chronic morbidity and Intercostal drainage with under water seal was the treatment of choice with most acceptable outcome. If the procedure is performed with appropriate care and adequate post ICD care is provided then chances of developing complications are minimal and most of them are easily curable.

Keywords:  Intercostal drainage tube, Empyema with bronchopleural fistula (BPF).

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