The case presented is a drainage of empyema of the left pleural cavity complicated with the penetration of the lung parenchyma and perforation of the left pulmonary artery with drain displacement to the right pulmonary artery. The cause of complications has been shown along with the possible ways of conduct. Drainage of the pleural cavity is a primary surgery in the chest. The presence of pleural air or fluid is an indication for its implementation. This procedure usually has no complications. Time pressure, anatomical anomalies, changes of the topography in the course of co-morbidities are the factors allowing for the creation of many complications. The aim of the work is to remind about the technical performance of this simple surgical procedure and to note that its complications may directly threaten the life of the patient. This is the first case reported in Polish literature.