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Lung Abscess 305
Prognosis and Outcome Evidence-Based Research
The outcome for lung abscesses is excellent, provided that appropri- Currently, there is a paucity of literature from Africa, and the literature
ate antibiotics and postural drainage are instituted in a timely manner. from the developed world is limited to case reports. Further studies are
Complications for surgery can be high; thus, surgery should be reserved needed, especially to look at the duration of antibiotic therapy.
for specific indications. Overall morbidity should be less than 5% and
would occur predominantly in those with secondary abscesses, usually
secondary to the comorbidity. Long-term follow-up of patients with
primary abscesses shows no residual deterioration in lung function and
a return to normal health.