Efficacy of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) in the Treatment of Primary Pleural Empyema

Abstract

Background: Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) has recently occupied a significant place in the surgical treatment of primary pleural empyema (PPE). Patients with anamnesis shorter than 4 weeks have a good chance of being cured only by VATS. As it is not easy to define precisely the beginning of the disease, it is difficult to say strictly to which period VATS method will be successful in PPE treatment. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the VATS method in the surgical treatment of primary pleural empyema. Methods: The study included 50 patients with findings appropriate for PPE over a period of three years, in whom the VATS method was applied in the surgical treatment of pleural empyema. Results: The established total length of treatment was 13.56 ± 7.98 days and the length of hospital treatment after surgery was 9.90 ± 3.315. The duration of thoracic drainage was 8.06 ± 3.005. Treatment was completed by the primary procedure without additional interventions in 94% of patients. Based on the final outcome, all patients from the clinic were discharged as cured Conclusion: The best time to indicate surgical treatment by using VATS method is history of disease in duration of four weeks Debridement or VATS decortication method is safe and efficient surgical procedure, especially in the first two stages. It is recommended to use this method as the first surgical option for patients in early stages of the disease.

Application of thoracoscopic surgery in patients with pleural empyema

“…Резултатите от изследването на приложението на видео асистираната торакоскопска хирургия при 50 болни с първичен емпием на плеврата през периода между 1.I.2016 г. и 31.XII.2018 г. в гр. Сараево, Босна и Херцеговина, показват обща продължителност на лечението от средно 13,56±7,98 дни, на следоперативното лечение -от средно 9,90±3,315 дни, а на дренажа на гръдния кош -от средно 8,06±3,005 дни (11). Допълнител- Торакоскопска хирургия с единичен троакар, въведен през петото междуребрено пространство, е проведена успешно при 60 деца на възраст между един месец и 14 г. в гр.…”

Pleural empyema management: The impact of Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

“…This shortage may be due to the frequent use of traditional treatment approaches in empyema patients. In recent years, fibrinolytic treatment and early Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) procedures have come to the fore [1,6,7]. Parallel to the significant impact of VATS in thoracic surgery practice, it is expected result that its use in the treatment of empyema will increase [8].…”