Surgical Infections of the Thoracic and Abdominal Cavities: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Modern Treatment Strategies
Keywords:
Surgical infection, thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity, peritonitis, empyemaAbstract
Surgical infections of the thoracic and abdominal cavities remain among the most challenging and
life-threatening conditions in modern surgery. Despite significant advances in antimicrobial therapy,
imaging technologies, and minimally invasive surgical techniques, these infections continue to
contribute substantially to postoperative morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and mortality
worldwide. Thoracic infections include empyema, mediastinitis, and postoperative pleural
infections, while abdominal infections encompass peritonitis, intra-abdominal abscesses,
anastomotic leaks, and postoperative wound infections extending into deep tissues. The
pathogenesis of these infections is multifactorial, involving microbial contamination, host immune
response impairment, ischemia, and surgical trauma. Early diagnosis is critical and relies on a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory markers
such as C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, and advanced imaging modalities including computed
tomography (CT) and ultrasound. Treatment strategies are based on a multimodal approach
combining broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, timely surgical intervention, and intensive care
support. Minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and
percutaneous drainage have significantly improved outcomes in selected patients.
This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the etiological factors, diagnostic
challenges, and modern therapeutic approaches for surgical infections of the thoracic and abdominal
cavities, emphasizing evidence-based management and recent advancements in clinical practice
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