Overview
Thoracic surgeons have developed a thoracoscopic procedure which is less intrusive method allows complete evacuation and washing of the debris from the pleural cavity. This approach may also have the benefit of less invasive maneuver, a shorter hospital stay and a decreased rate of postoperative complications.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach in comparison with thoracotomy in management of empyema in pediatric patients.
Description
comparison between VATS decortication and open thoracotomy in cases of pediatric empyema
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- pediatric patients 1 yrs. : ≤ 18 yrs.
- Patients with empyema due to pneumonia.
- Patients with empyema had lasted for fewer than 3 weeks.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients < 1 yrs. old.
- Patients with whom pleural empyema had lasted for more than 3 weeks.
- Patients with empyema had been caused by trauma.
- Patients whose parents refuse to be included in the study.
- Patients with empyema due to ruptured lung abscess.
- Patients with empyema due to chest wall abscess.
- Patients with empyema due to rib osteomyelitis.
- Patients with bronchopleural fistula.
- Patients with post-surgical empyema.