Pediatric thoracoscopic training in an experimental pleural empyema rabbit model.

Background: Thoracoscopy has proved to be effective in the treatment of stage 2 (fibrinopurulent) empyema, but this technique requires different abilities from those needed in open surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of an experimental empyema in rabbits as a thoracoscopic training model.

Materials And Methods: Twenty New Zealand rabbits were anesthetized with acepromazine and ketamine.