Account of a case of empyema, which recovered after repeated punctures of the pleural sac / [Theophilus Thompson].

  • Thompson, Theophilus, 1807-1860
Date:
1844
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Account of a case of empyema, which recovered after repeated punctures of the pleural sac / [Theophilus Thompson]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    intercostal space, and fourteen ounces of greenish- yellow pus were withdrawn, pressure being at the same time made from below upwards, as recom¬ mended by Dr. J. C. B. Williams, with a view to assist in accommodating the chest to its diminished contents. Owing to the thickness of the matter, the introduction of the probe through the canula was occasionally necessary to remove obstructions. When the above-mentioned quantity of fluid had been removed, the canula was withdrawn, the wound carefully closed, and a bandage applied. The mercurial ointment and decoction of winter- green were continued, and two grains of iodide of potassium, with five of tartarized iron, administered twice a-day. The boy was much relieved by the ope¬ ration, slept better, and the urine increased in quan¬ tity. The respiratory murmur, blending with the rubbing sound of the surfaces of the pleura, could be heard between the second and third ribs of the right side. On the 30th of June, the number of the respira¬ tions was 50 in a minute, and the right side of the chest measured half an inch less in circumference than before the puncture ; but, as the respiratory murmur was becoming less distinct between the second and third ribs, it was judged expedient to re¬ peat the operation. The trochar was introduced about an inch behind the former cicatrix; the skin having been drawn downwards, to secure its acting subsequently as a valve. About a pint of matter was withdrawn, which