Thoracoscopy in stage 3 empyema thoracis in children - A safe and feasible alternative to thoracotomy.

Background: Even though the role of thoracoscopy is well defined in Stage 2 empyema thoracis and is very popular, its role in the management of advanced empyema is still unclear. The technical difficulties and the potential complications are the principal reasons for the hesitancy in attempting video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in advanced stages.

Methods: We prospectively studied the safety, feasibility and effectiveness of VATS for decortication in Stage 3 empyema.