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INTRODUCTION[|]Pleural empyema is a collection of purulent liquid in the cavity between the isceral and parietal pleura developing during the postinflammatory period. It can have a high morbidity and mortality rate if not treated. The aim of this study was to spirometrically evaluate respiratory function in patients before and after decortication surgery, which is a treatment used in late phase, chronic pleural empyema. [¤]METHODS[|]Patient files were evaluated retrospectively according to the criteria of the study. Forced expiratory volume-1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC% values measured in the week before surgery and 6 months after the procedure were then compared with preoperative values.[¤]RESULTS[|]A significant improvement was seen in spirometric values. The mean preoperative values of FVC 2.33+-0.71 L, FEV1 1.91+-0.56 L, and FEV1/FVC% 82.77+-8.50% increased postoperatively to 2.64+-0.65 L (p=0.000), 2.28+-0.57 L (p=0.000), and 86.52+-7.47% (p=0.014), respectively. The increase in postoperative values for FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC% were 13.3%, 19.3%, and 4.53%, respectively. These results were statistically quite significant for FVC, FEV1, and significant for FEV1/FVC.[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]The results indicate that decortication is an effective operation to treat eligible stage III empyema patients.[¤]