| REVIEW ARTICLE |
|
| Year : 2009 | Volume
: 14
| Issue : 3 | Page : 85-93 |
Empyema thoracis: Surgical management in children
Prema Menon, Ravi Prakash Kanojia, K.L.N Rao
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Advanced Pediatric Center, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
Correspondence Address:
Prema Menon
Department of Pediatric Surgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh-160 012
India
  | 2 |
DOI: 10.4103/0971-9261.57698 PMID: 20376247
Empyema thoracis can produce significant morbidity in children if inadequately treated. Correct evaluation of the stage of the disease, the clinical condition of the child and proper assessment of the response to conservative treatment is crucial in deciding the mode of further surgical intervention. This ranges from intercostal chest tube drainage and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to open decortication. Surgical decortication becomes mandatory in neglected cases; it gives very gratifying results ameliorating the disease rapidly and is well tolerated by young patients. This article reviews the current literature and discusses the important considerations while managing these patients. Indications for surgery are highlighted, based on our large experience at a tertiary care center.
[FULL TEXT] [PDF]*
|
