Zusammenfassung
OBJECTIVES: The pool of potential candidates for pleural empyema is expanding. In a previous technical report, we tested the feasibility of the minimally invasive insertion of a vacuum-assisted closure (Mini-VAC) system without the insertion of an open-window thoracostomy (OWT). In this study, we describe a consecutive case series of complex pleural empyemas that were managed by this Mini-VAC ...
Zusammenfassung
OBJECTIVES: The pool of potential candidates for pleural empyema is expanding. In a previous technical report, we tested the feasibility of the minimally invasive insertion of a vacuum-assisted closure (Mini-VAC) system without the insertion of an open-window thoracostomy (OWT). In this study, we describe a consecutive case series of complex pleural empyemas that were managed by this Mini-VAC therapy. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we investigated 6 patients with multimorbidity (Karnofsky index <= 50%) who were consecutively treated with Mini-VAC for a primary, postoperative or recurrent pleural empyema between January 2011 and February 2012. RESULTS: Local control of the infection and control of sepsis were satisfactory in all 6 of the patients treated by Mini-VAC therapy. The suction used did not create any air leaks or bleeding from the lung or mediastinal structures. Mini-VAC therapy allowed a reduction of the empyema cavity and improved the re-expansion of the residual lung. Mini-VAC therapy resulted in a rapid eradication of the empyema. The chest wall was closed in all patients during the first hospital stay. All patients left the hospital in good health (Karnofsky index > 70%) and with a non-infected pleural cavity at a mean of 22 +/- 11 days after Mini-VAC installation. Pleural empyema was not detected in any of the 6 patients at the 3-month follow-up appointment. CONCLUSIONS: The Mini-VAC procedure with the abdication of an OWT offers a rapid treatment for complex pleural empyema with minimal surgical effort and the opportunity for a primary closure of the empyema cavity.
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