Thoracoscopic management of early stages of empyema: is this the golden standard?

Abstract

Thoracoscopic management of early stages of empyema should be the golden standard of management in surgically fit patients; particularly in the fibro-exudative phase of empyema. It is an effective and safe technique that reduces hospital stay, cost, complications and avoids the need for a decortication via a thoracotomy in most cases.