ABSTRACT
Introduction The incidence of complicated pneumonia including empyema is increasing.1-4 The management of parapneumonic empyema is controversial but depends on the successful drainage of the pleural fluid.5-9 The natural history of the disease is well described and should be staged prior to treatment.10-12 The child may require repeated surgical interventions and have significant respiratory impairment. The following case illustrates some of the anaesthetic challenges.
