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What Causes Empyema And Pseudomonas Infection Post Lung Transplant Surgery?

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Posted on Thu, 28 May 2015
Question: My husband had double lung transplant two years ago. Since then, continuous pneumonias due to pseudomonas and recurring empyema. On PIC line last six weeks with Iv piperacillin three times daily at home. Latest platelet count is 98, rbc 3.01. Can he get better?
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Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Chances of improvement are very less.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your husband's situation and problem.
Empyema is common infective complication post lung transplant surgery.
And pseudomonas infection is always chronic and stays long.
The best treatment for chronic empyema is Video Assistant Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS).
Yes, you are right about surgical stress and post operative complications. But VATS is the only curative option for him in chronic empyema. So chances of improvement are very less in his case.
Please let me know
1. Have you tested for empyema fluid culture and sensitivity?
2. Have you ruled out tuberculosis ?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wishing good health to your husband.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 15003 Questions

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What Causes Empyema And Pseudomonas Infection Post Lung Transplant Surgery?

Brief Answer: Chances of improvement are very less. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your husband's situation and problem. Empyema is common infective complication post lung transplant surgery. And pseudomonas infection is always chronic and stays long. The best treatment for chronic empyema is Video Assistant Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS). Yes, you are right about surgical stress and post operative complications. But VATS is the only curative option for him in chronic empyema. So chances of improvement are very less in his case. Please let me know 1. Have you tested for empyema fluid culture and sensitivity? 2. Have you ruled out tuberculosis ? Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your husband. Thanks.