Abstract

Aim: To assess the efficacy and safety of decortication using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in pediatric cases with advanced stage pleural empyema was aimed.

Material and Methods: Patients aged 0-18 years and underwent VATS for advanced stage pleural empyema between the years 2010-2015 were included in the study. Early and long-term complications regarding the procedure, procedural success, and demographic data were evaluated. Our aim in VATS decortication was to eliminate all closed areas and residual fluid, and pulmonary expansion at the edn of the procedure.

Results: A total of 22 (male, n=19, and female, n=3) pediatric patients were included in the study. Median age was 8 (1-17) years. The empyema was on the right side in 12, and on the left side in 10 patients. The etiology was pneumonia in 20 patients and lymphoma and tuberculosis one each. The mean follow-up period was 46 (15-126) months.

Conclusion: VATS should be considered as the gold standard therapy for thoracic empyema both in children, and adolescents. Our study showed the efficacy and safety of VATS decortication in advanced stage empyema both during infancy and adolescence.