title: Videothoracoscopy in pleural empyema following methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) lung infection.
abstract: Our study shows the different therapeutic procedures in 64 patients with pleural effusion due to MRSA pneumonia. The thoracostomy tube associated with pleural washing was decisive in 10 simple effusion patients. Video-assisted thoracic surgery allowed a complete resolution of the disease in 22 complex parapneumonic effusion patients. In 20 of 32 patients with frank pus in the pleural cavity, the videothoracoscopic insufflation of carbon dioxide (CO2) before thoracotomy facilitated the dissection of the lung tissue. In 12 patients, this approach was not applied because of cardiac insufficiency. Videothoracoscopy and decortication after thoracotomy ensured the recovery of functions.
authors: Department of Thoracic Surgery, University of L'Aquila, G. Mazzini Hospital, Teramo, Italy. duilio.divisi@aslteramo.it
authors: Duilio
authors: D
authors: Divisi
authors: Giovanna
authors: G
authors: Imbriglio
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Crisci
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed