Enhancing treatment approaches for postpneumonectomy empyema: exploring the role of video-assisted thoracic surgery.

Postpneumonectomy empyema (PPE) poses a substantial postoperative risk, even in the absence of a bronchopleural fistula, often necessitating surgical intervention for resolution. To evaluate the efficacy of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in managing PPE, supported by a comprehensive review of pertinent literature. Six studies were included in this analysis, encompassing 63 PPE cases treated with VATS. Patient ages ranged from 16 to 74 years, with prevalent bacterial strains identified within the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus genera. Hospital stays extended up to 94 days, with 4 patients requiring thoracostomy for infection management. Postoperatively, 1 patient succumbed to complications. VATS holds promise as a viable therapeutic modality for definitive PPE management. In instances of bronchopleural fistula or persistent empyema, consideration should be given to open revision procedures.

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Copyright: © 2024 Polish Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons (Polskie Towarzystwo KardioTorakochirurgów) and the editors of the Polish Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (Kardiochirurgia i Torakochirurgia Polska).

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

The authors report no conflict of interest.