In a recent article by several pulmonologists in Australia (Helen E. Davies, Andrew Rosenstengel and Y.C. Gary Lee) the authors contend the recent developments in pulmonology have largely made the thoracic surgery specialty obsolete – particularly in the treatment of pleural disease. Are there merits to their claims? or is this just another example of an expanding turf war, reminiscent of recent battles between cardiology and cardiac surgery? Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine, “The Diminishing Role of Surgery in Pleural Disease”Helen E.
Davies; Andrew Rosenstengel; Y.C. Gary Lee. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2011;17(4):247-254. We need to discuss Davies, Rosenstengel & Lee’s contention that fibrinolytics and thoracostomy drainage are superior versus surgical decortication and evacuation for treatment of empyema thoracis. Unfortunately, Davies et.al are operating on a faulty premise –…
