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International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
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Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery of childhood empyema: early referral improves outcome

Shanta Velaiutham1, Sanjeeva Pathmanathan, Bruce Whitehead

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, John Hunter Children's Hospital, Locked Bag 1, Hunter Region Mail Centre, Newcastle, NSW 2310, Australia.

Pediatric Surgery International
|July 20, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Early primary video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for childhood empyema is effective. This approach leads to better outcomes and shorter hospital stays for pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Childhood empyema is a serious condition requiring effective treatment.
  • Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a recognized safe and effective option.
  • Early intervention is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of early referral for primary VATS in managing childhood empyema.
  • To assess the success rates and clinical outcomes associated with this approach.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of 24 children with post-pneumonic empyema treated with VATS.
  • All patients underwent VATS as part of a protocol for early referral.
  • Data collected included symptom duration, referral time, operative time, chest drainage duration, and hospital stay.

Main Results:

  • The mean age of presentation was 54 months.
  • Mean symptom duration before presentation was 6.29 days; mean referral time was 1.95 days.
  • Mean operating time was 113.7 minutes, with a mean chest drainage duration of 4 days and mean hospital stay of 6.88 days.

Conclusions:

  • Early primary VATS for pediatric empyema shows a high success rate.
  • This approach results in improved outcomes and reduced hospitalisation compared to delayed treatment.
  • It also demonstrates a lower rate of conversion to open thoracotomy.
Abstract

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