The pleura is a thin membrane that covers and cushions the lungs. Pleural fluid reduces friction between the lungs and chest during breathing. Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, often caused by ...

A pleurectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the pleura, a membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity. The procedure treats empyema — an infection of the pleural cavity — and ...

Empyema is defined as a collection of pus in the pleural space and is a form of purulent (infected), pleural effusion. Pleural effusion refers to the build-up of excess fluid between the layers of the ...