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Case Studies | Medicine | India | Volume 12 Issue 9, September 2023 | Rating: 5 / 10
Video - Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery as a Primary and Effective Treatment for Empyema: A Case Report
Naazmin Chandrani | Ishan Surani | Dev Brahmbhatt | Diya Patel
Abstract: Background: Empyema Thoracis is a serious life - threatening condition. . Although it is rare in pediatric patients, the possibility for rapid progression makes its treatment challenging. This case report describes the presentation, clinical course, diagnostic challenges, management measures, and outcome of a 4 - year - old female child with empyema thoracis. Case: The initial presenting complaint in this 4 - year - old patient included fever, abdominal pain, and cough. Physical examination revealed mild subcostal retraction with decreased air entry in the right lung and tachypnea. Chest radiography showed right sided pleural effusion prompting the initiation of non - invasive mode of ventilation. Ultrasonography (USG) thorax showed mild to moderate right sided pleural effusion with consolidation and collapse. Pleural tapping showed no growth and was genexpert negative. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) indicated Empyema. Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed with decortication under appropriate management. Post procedure, the patient was intubated with Intercostal chest drainage (ICD) tube. Repeated HRCT and Chest X - Rays were done to monitor response to treatment and guide further management decisions. Following removal of the chest tube, the patient was discharged with reassuring vital signs, laboratory results, and a chest x - ray. Conclusion: In conclusion, this case report demonstrates the challenges faced in diagnosing and managing rare empyema thoracis in pediatric patients. It highlights the significance of early surgical interventions by video assisted thoracoscopic surgery and the need to manage potential complications in order to ensure successful outcomes.
Keywords: Thoracic Empyema, Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery, Pediatrics
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 9, September 2023,
Pages: 1173 - 1176