Maria Kipourou

Open thoracotomy for pneumothorax.

A thoracotomy is an incision into the pleural space of the chest. It is performed by surgeons (or emergency physicians under certain circumstances) to gain access to the thoracic organs, most commonly the heart, the lungs, or the esophagus, or for access to the thoracic aorta or the anterior spine. This surgical procedure is a major surgical maneuver it is the first step in many thoracic surgeries including lobectomy or pneumonectomy for lung cancer and as such requires general anesthesia with endotracheal tube insertion and mechanical ventilation, rigid bronchoscope can be also used if necessary. Thoracotomies are thought to be one of the most difficult surgical incisions to deal with post-operatively, because they are extremely painful and the pain can prevent the patient from breathing effectively, leading to atelectasis or pneumonia. In the current review we will present the steps of this procedure.

034. Analysis of the sensitivity to anti-TB drugs of M. Tuberculosis isolated from patients in the Pulmonary Clinic of AUTH (June 2011-September 2014)

Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant problem worldwide. An important factor associated with this reemergence is the development of resistance to anti-TB drugs.

AB 87. Clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with tuberculosis

Background The aim of the present study was to evaluate the demographic, clinical and microbiological data of the patients who are followed up by the tuberculosis outpatient clinic, Pulmonary Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

AB 24. Intrapleural t-PA administration in patients with complicated parapneumonic effusions

Background Parapneumonic effusions are developed in half of hospitalized patients with pneumonia and are followed by many complications and high mortality. Intrapleural t-PA effusion promotes pleural drainage by its fibrinolytic activity.

AB 85. Presentation of cases of non tuberculous mycobacteria lung disease in immunocompetent patients

Background Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are acid-fast microorganisms that commonly cause lung disease in immunocompromised patients and patients with preexisting structural lung disease. Four cases of NTM infection in immunocompetent patients are presented.