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Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Techniques in the Treatment of Complicated Parapneumonic Effusions and Empyema

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Minimally Invasive Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Parapneumonic effusions and pleural empyema are a frequent complication of pneumonia. Initial treatment in uncomplicated effusions is conservative. Complicated parapneumonic effusions require more aggressive treatment including surgery. This chapter describes current indications for surgery and an expedited approach including early videothoracoscopic-assisted deloculation and decortication. The chapter focuses on technical aspects and highlights possible pitfalls and dangers in the treatment of suppurative pleural disorders following pulmonary infection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Berne, Freiburgstrasse, 3010, Zurich, Switzerland

    Giovanni L. Carboni M.D.

Authors
  1. Giovanni L. Carboni M.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Giovanni L. Carboni M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Klinik Hirslanden, Thoraxzentrum Zürich, Witellikerstr. 40, Zürich, 8008, Switzerland

    Rolf Gilbert Carl Inderbitzi

  2. , Division of General Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Berne
, Freiburgstr. 2010, Berne, 3010, Switzerland

    Ralph Alexander Schmid

  3. , Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, 56100, Italy

    Franca M. A. Melfi

  4. St. Mary's Hospital, Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Praed Street, LONDON, W2 1NY, United Kingdom

    Roberto Pasquale Casula

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© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Carboni, G.L. (2012). Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Techniques in the Treatment of Complicated Parapneumonic Effusions and Empyema. In: Inderbitzi, R., Schmid, R., Melfi, F., Casula, R. (eds) Minimally Invasive Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-11861-6_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-11861-6_20

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-11860-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-11861-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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