Keywords
diagnostics
drainage of the pleural cavity
pleural puncture
purulent-destructive processes
tuberculosis
telemedicine
antibiotic therapy
How to Cite
Abstract
Pleural empyema remains a serious medical problem, accompanied by a high incidence, a complex clinical course and significant mortality. The article presents the results of a multi-year study of 556 patients who were treated at the Pulmonary Health Center of Lviv in 2017–2024. The clinical forms, etiology, radiological and ultrasound signs of empyema are analyzed, as well as the applied methods of diagnosis and treatment: pleural punctures, drainage, antibiotic therapy, thoracoplasty, decortication. Indications for surgical interventions and features of the course of pleural empyema are given. The importance of early diagnosis, a personalized approach to treatment and prevention of medical errors in the context of the development of telemedicine is emphasized. This large, single-center cohort reflects routine clinical practice in a high-volume referral facility, offering robust, generalizable evidence for settings with constrained resources and rising antimicrobial resistance. By integrating radiologic–sonographic criteria with procedural outcomes, the work clarifies triage, optimizes timing of intervention, and guides antibiotic stewardship, supporting standardized care pathways and telemedicine-enabled follow-up. The findings have immediate implications for guideline refinement, training of multidisciplinary teams, and reduction of complications and length of stay ultimately improving survival, preserving lung function, and enhancing patients’ quality of life. The results obtained may be useful for improving the tactics of managing patients with pleural empyema and reducing the risk of chronicity of the disease.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Oleksandr Nevzghoda (Author)