Decortication

Decortication is a medical procedure involving the surgical removal of the surface layer, membrane, or fibrous cover of an organ. The procedure is usually performed when the lung is covered by a thick, inelastic pleural peel restricting lung expansion. In a non-medical aspect, decortication is the removal of the bark, husk, or outer layer, or peel of an object.

Procedure
Decortication is performed under general anaesthesia. It is a major thoracic operation requiring a full thoracotomy. All fibrous tissue is removed from the visceral pleural peel and pus is subsequently drained from the pleural space.