Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for acute empyema

Abstract

Drainage and antibiotic administration are the first treatments for acute empyema, but if ineffective, surgery is necessary. Recently, the effectiveness of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for acute empyema has been reported. We reviewed 7 patients with acute empyema who underwent VATS from January 2008 to February 2013. The median operative time was 158 minutes (range: 120-360) and the blood loss was minimal in all cases. The mean duration of postoperative drainage was 5 days, and the mean hospital stay was 9 days. There was no complication or recurrence of empyema. The mean durations of postoperative drainage and hospital stay in cases of acute empyema treated with VATS reported in Japan were 7.9 and 18.3 days respectively, so our cases showed similar results. VATS can be a less invasive, safe, and effective treatment for acute empyema.