Computed tomography-guided thoracoscopic debridement for multiple loculated organizing empyema: a case report

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for organizing empyema is challenging because fibrous septa and peel within the cavity are thickened and hardened. Some patients have multiple isolated empyema cavities that require debridement individually because firm intrathoracic adhesion was developed during this phase. If the debridement was incomplete as a result of worrying about an accidental injury of the surrounding organ, additional interventions may be required due to the persistent empyema cavity or insufficient expansion of the ipsilateral lung. We here describe a representative case with multiple loculated organizing empyema that could safely and reliably perform VATS debridement under C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

A 67-year-old woman was admitted to our department for the treatment of right empyema. Chest computed tomography showed fluid collection in three independent spaces within the right thoracic cavity. It was assumed that a firm adhesion between the lung and chest wall was developed because about 7 weeks passed since the onset. Therefore, we decided to use CBCT to completely debride three empyema cavities separately by VATS. One cavity was only in a narrow range with the chest wall, and it was located on the back of cost rib cartilage. By clicking any intended anatomical structures on CBCT images, the position was readily depicted by lase projection on the body surface, which helped to place the best skin incision. Moreover, in other cavities, CBCT after initial debridement showed insufficiently dissected cavity. Additional debridement resulted in a successful shrinkage of the empyema cavity.

We believe that VATS debridement under CBCT guidance is one of the useful treatment options for multiple loculated organizing empyema.