A less invasive alternative to fenestration for selected localized postoperative empyema with persistent air leak: prolonged open drainage using a large-sized cut tube in two patients

Background

Postoperative empyema with persistent air leak remains a challenging complication after pulmonary resection. Fenestration may be required in refractory cases but is highly invasive, particularly in high-risk patients. We report two patients successfully treated with prolonged open drainage using a large-sized cut tube without fenestration and propose clinical criteria for selecting suitable candidates.