This randomized controlled study compared uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U-VATS) versus chest tube drainage for initial (first-line) treatment of stage I (exudative) and stage II (fibrinopurulent) empyema in adult patients (\>18 years old). The primary end-point of outcome was the overall success of treatment (no need for re-intervention or death). The main results demonstrated the safety of minimally invasive U-VATS procedure in the initial treatment of early stages of pleural empyema in comparison to traditional chest tube drainage. Initial use of U-VATS was safe and feasible due to postoperative freedom from complex or marked effusion, in addition to significant reduction in the need for additional intervention, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and total cost.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
70
* single port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the 5th intercostal space * performed under general anesthesia. * pleural fluid/pus was drained * pleural adhesions was removed
* Chest tube is inserted in 5th mid-axillary line * performed under local anaesthesia
Minia University
Minya, Egypt
Need for further management
Need for further method for pleural fluid drainage or decortication.
Time frame: 6 months after inital treatment
Mortality
Postoperative in-hospital or follow-up death.
Time frame: 6 months after inital treatment
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