Publication:

Prospective study of thoracoscopy in empyema patients

Background Empyema thoracis is a serious problem from centuries, still causes significant morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed in early stages. The present study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the role of video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in its management.

Methods This prospective study was done on 15 patients in the department of General Surgery, Govt. Medical College and Sir Thakhatsinhji Hospital Bhavnagar, from August 2011 to August 2012.  The demographic data, clinical presentation, etiology, and management were recorded and analyzed.

Results None of the patients were observed with bronchopleural fistula. Majority of the patients were affected in the age group of 1-14 years (53%). Empyema was seen on left side of the lungs (73%). Etilogy of empyema was tuberculosis in 66% of the patients. Chest pain and breathlessness was seen in all in the patients (100%). No mortality was noticed in the study. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5 days.

Conclusions Present study shows that VATS is feasible, safe and it is an efficient procedure with decrease hospital stay and minimal complications in the management of empyema thoracis in all age groups.