Surgical Infections of the Thoracic and Abdominal Cavities: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Modern Treatment Strategies

Surgical infections of the thoracic and abdominal cavities remain among the most challenging andlife-threatening conditions in modern surgery. Despite significant advances in antimicrobial therapy,imaging technologies, and minimally invasive surgical techniques, these infections continue tocontribute substantially to postoperative morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and mortalityworldwide. Thoracic infections include empyema, mediastinitis, and postoperative pleuralinfections, while abdominal infections encompass peritonitis, intra-abdominal abscesses,anastomotic leaks, and postoperative wound infections extending into deep tissues. Thepathogenesis of these infections is multifactorial, involving microbial contamination, host immuneresponse impairment, ischemia, and surgical trauma. Early diagnosis is critical and relies on a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory markerssuch as C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, and advanced imaging modalities including computedtomography (CT) and ultrasound. Treatment strategies are based on a multimodal approachcombining broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, timely surgical intervention, and intensive caresupport. Minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) andpercutaneous drainage have significantly improved outcomes in selected patients.This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the etiological factors, diagnosticchallenges, and modern therapeutic approaches for surgical infections of the thoracic and abdominalcavities, emphasizing evidence-based management and recent advancements in clinical practice