Efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in managing childhood empyema: A large single-centre study

Mark Bishay, Melissa Short, Kant Shah, Shobhana Nagraj, Suren Arun, Dakshesh Parikh, Girish Jawaheer

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42 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background/Purpose: A randomised controlled trial evaluating the role of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in childhood empyema reported a failure rate of 16.6%. Our aim is to determine the outcome of VATS in a large series of children managed by 3 paediatric surgeons experienced in endoscopic surgery.

Method: A retrospective study of all children with empyema admitted under the care of the 3 surgeons between February 2004 and February 2008 was undertaken. Recorded details included demographic data, mode of presentation, preoperative investigations, operative details, antibiotic usage, microbiological data, postoperative course, follow-up data and complications.

Results: 114 children (69 boys, 45 girls) had VATS for empyema. Their median age was 5 (0.2-15) years. The pleural cavity was drained for a median of 4 (2-13) days. Median postoperative hospital stay was 7 (4-36) days. Median follow-up was 8 (1-24) months. There were 8 (7%) treatment failures: 5 conversions to thoracotomy and 3 recurrent empyemas. There were 7 complications (6%): air leak (n = 6) and lung injury (n = 1). 104 (91%) children had full resolution of symptoms. There were no deaths.

Conclusion: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has a better outcome in childhood empyema than reported in a recent randomised trial and it has an important role in the management of this condition.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)337-342
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery
Volume44
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2009

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