Surgical Treatment of Pleural Empyema in Children

Abstract

Pleural empyema is a common infectious pathology in pediatrics that requires timely treatment to achieve ad integrum recovery. The clinical understanding of the pathophysiological evolution of the disease and the knowledge of the methods of its imaging study allow the treating physician to add to the antibiotic treatment, such as drainage of the pleural space and/or thoracoscopy that has historically been performed. In recent years, many centers have replaced it with intrapleural injection of fibrinolytics with good results. Drainage and minimally invasive surgery procedures are detailed. The aim of the chapter is that the student has a comprehensive knowledge of the treatment and to keep in mind that both early diagnosis and timely treatment prevent the progressing of the disease and its possible complications.