Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
05:39
Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Published on: May 26, 2023
Video-assisted thoracic surgery for pleural empyema.
Peter N Wurnig1, Victoria Wittmer, Nestor S Pridun
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Otto-Wagner Hospital, Vienna, Austria. peter.wurnig@wienkav.at
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|December 22, 2005
Summary
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) offers a safe and effective treatment for thoracic empyema when other methods fail. This minimally invasive approach demonstrates low complication rates and good patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) experience has grown, leading to its application in treating thoracic empyema.
- Traditional treatments like chest tube drainage and antibiotics were insufficient for the study cohort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of VATS for treating thoracic empyema in patients refractory to conventional therapies.
Main Methods:
- VATS was performed on 130 patients with pleural empyema.
- Postoperative assessments included clinical, radiological, and spirometry evaluations at six months.
Main Results:
- Mean operative time was 93 minutes; mean chest tube drainage was 10 days; mean hospital stay was 16 days.
- Conversion to open thoracotomy occurred in 3.1% of cases; reoperation was needed in 9%.
- Six-month spirometry showed preserved lung function (FEV1 87.7%, VC 84.4%); no deaths occurred.
Conclusions:
- VATS is a safe and effective treatment for fibropurulent empyema, associated with low morbidity and mortality.
- Conversion to thoracotomy is a necessary adjunct for complete lung expansion and optimal outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:30Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Endoscopy is a non-surgical medical technique used to examine a person's internal organs and vessels. This lesson will focus on two types of endoscopic studies: bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy.
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
01:30Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Airway management is essential in emergency and surgical medicine, ensuring ventilation and oxygenation in patients who cannot maintain their own airway. Clinicians use a range of techniques and devices to secure the airway, depending on the patient’s condition and the clinical context. Key methods include endotracheal intubation, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), supraglottic airway devices, and advanced visualization aids. In cases where these approaches fail, surgical airway interventions are...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...