Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Complicated parapneumonic effusion and empyema: pleural decortication and video-assisted thoracic surgery
Shi-Ping Luh1, Gwo-Jong Hsu, Chen Cheng-Ren
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, 539 Chung-Hsiao Road, Chia-Yi City 600, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema, in which the fluid becomes more exudative, develops in 10% to 20% of patients with parapneumonic effusions. Early diagnosis and effective treatment strategies are required. New treatment strategies such as fibrinolytic therapy and decortication or debridement through video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, have changed the choice of treatment for different stages of empyema or complicated pleural effusion. This review discusses the definition, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions, focusing on the value and comparison of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery decortication and fibrinolytic therapies.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
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...
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
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:
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Endoscopic Studies I: 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...
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
