Thoracoscopic debridement of loculated empyema thoracis in children

The appropriate management of multiloculated empyema thoracis remains controversial. During a 7-month period, we have managed multiloculated empyema with early thoracoscopic debridement in three consecutive pediatric patients. Chest tubes were removed 7 ± 1 (mean ± standard deviation) days after thoracoscopy and discharge from hospital was on postoperative day 8 ± 1. We suggest that early thoracoscopic debridement of multiloculated empyema thoracis in children is safe and efficacious.