title: Definitive management of advanced empyema by two-window video-assisted surgery.
abstract: We describe how 2-window video-assisted thoracoscopic decortication and lung mobilization can provide definitive management of stage III empyema. This technique was used in 52 patients with stage III empyema. None required additional ports or a thoracotomy. Three patients (6%) needed computed tomography-guided drainage of persistent large loculi, but none required further surgery. Chest radiographs at 6 weeks after surgery confirmed full lung expansion and resolution of pleural collection in the other 49 patients (94%).
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Papworth Hospital, Papworth Everard, Cambridge, CB3 8RE, United Kingdom. andrewdrain@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Drain
authors.forename: Jonathon I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Ferguson
authors.forename: Rana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sayeed
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
authors.forename: Andy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ritchie
mesh_terms: D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013396:Suction; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome