The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 29, 32-35, Copyright © 1980 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Neomycin absorption following Clagett procedure for postpneumonectomy empyema
JL Meakins and J Allard
Following a Clagett stage II procedure, significant amounts of neomycin are
absorbed when concentrations of 0.25% neomycin (8.9 micrograms milliliter)
are used. If higher concentrations are employed, the neomycin can achieve
toxic levels (40 micrograms per milliliter), with associated renal toxicity
and respiratory suppression. The peel of the empyema cavity does not
prevent absorption of drugs. Therefore, when drugs are inserted into an
empyema cavity, due care must be exerted to prevent drug toxicity.