Abstract

Three cases of post-pneumonic empyema due to infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae are reported. All were men considerably debilitated by complicating factors. The presence of persistent fistulae and of lung necrosis makes eradication of this infection very difficult and tedious, and in the management of these cases the objective is to secure adequate removal of necrotic tissue, effective drainage, and finally a satisfactory deroofing procedure to obliterate the empyema cavity.