Objective: This study was disigned to confirm that the cortication is a highly effective treament for chronic empyema to analyze the results of surgical treatment and compared with other operations at Chợ Rẫy hospital during 10 years (1999 - 2008). Methods: During 10 years (1999 - 2008), at Chợ Rẫy hospital, On the 152 decortication of chronic empyemas.