Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery in the Management of Pediatric Empyema

BACKGROUND: Management of empyema in children has progressed from open thoracotomy to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VATS in children with multiloculated empyemas. METHODS: Nine children (mean age, 4 years; range, 21 months to 13 years) with empyema, in whom multiple loculations were found on computed tomography, were treated with VATS from January, 1994, to November, 1996. All patients underwent VATS under general anesthesia, with drainage of the empyemas, decortication, and placement of chest tubes under direct vision. RESULTS: In all nine patients, VATS was successful. Average operating time was 120 minutes. Blood loss was insignificant, except in one patient who needed an intraoperative blood transfusion. This child required extensive decortication, with blood oozing from raw areas. All patients recovered well, with no recurrences to date. An algorithm for the use of VATS in the treatment plan for children with empyema was established. CONCLUSION: VATS provides safe and effective treatment in the management of pediatric empyema. Moreover, it avoids lengthy hospitalization, prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy, and unnecessary pain and stress secondary to placement of chest tubes without anesthesia.