Management of multiloculated empyema thoracis in children: thoracotomy versus fibrinolytic treatment

[Treatment of empyema thoracis in children].

Empyema, an accumulation of infected fluid in the thoracic cavity, is commonly secondary to bacterial pneumonia in children. Despite the high prevalence and availability of many medical treatment options, there is no general consensus on the optimal management approach, which would lead to full and rapid recovery. Especially, there are the big differences in treatment options for the child with...

Empyema thoracis: Surgical management in children

Empyema thoracis can produce significant morbidity in children if inadequately treated. Correct evaluation of the stage of the disease, the clinical condition of the child and proper assessment of the response to conservative treatment is crucial in deciding the mode of further surgical intervention. This ranges from intercostal chest tube drainage and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to op...

Empyema thoracis: management outcome.

BACKGROUND Empyema thoracis results from postpneumonic effusion of bacterial origin or trauma. If untreated it may convert to fibro-purulent or an organising stage. METHODS This study was conducted at cardiothoracic unit of Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad from Jan 2008 to Aug 2009. Patients with diagnosis of empyema thoracic were studied. Their clinical features and investigations were reco...

Treatment of empyema thoracis.

Empyema thoracis: a role for open thoracotomy and decortication.

BACKGROUND Thoracentesis and antibiotics remain the cornerstones of treatment in stage I empyema. The management of disease progression or late presentation is controversial. Open thoracotomy and decortication is perceived to be synonymous with protracted recovery and prolonged hospitalisation. Advocates of thoracoscopic adhesiolysis cite earlier chest drain removal and hospital discharge. This...