Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for acute empyema

Abstract

We retrospectively reviewed 12 patients, 10 males and 2 females (mean age: 66, range: 46 to 86 years) undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for acute empyema in Matsue Red Cross Hospital from April 2002 through June 2006. The mean durations of post-operative drainage and post-operative hospital stay were 6.7 days (range: 3 to 17 days) and 20.5 days (range: 11 to 33 days), respectively. Post-operative courses were uneventful in all patients and no recurrence of empyema was observed. Video-assisted thoracoscopy is a safe and effective device to perform the operation for acute empyema.