[POSSIBILITIES OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES IN THE TREATMENT OF PLEURAL EMPYEMA].

The data, concerning videothoracoscopic operations application in the acute pleural empyema treatment in 462 patients, were adduced. Efficacy of videothoracoscopic operations, using electrowelding and radiofrequency surgical complexes with possibility to eliminate pulmonary-pleural fistulas, was shown. Positive clinical effect was noted in 443 (95.9%) patients, duration of stationary treatment have constituted 11.1 days at average. The complications have had occurred in 19 (4.1%) patients. All the patients are alive.