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Eloesser flap

Dr Frank Gaillard et al.

An Eloesser flap is a single stage procedure for the treatment of severe pleural empyema, and involves a U-shaped incision and the resection of a number of subjacent posterolateral ribs. The U-shaped flap is then folded into the pleural space reating a permanent communication.

Unlike the Clagett procedure, from which it is radiographic difficult to distinguish, the Eloesser flap is not reversible.