Analysis of pediatric empyema treated with surgery

Introduction: Pediatric empyema is the most common complication of childhood pneumonia. Our aim is to share the characteristics and treatment methods of pediatric empyema treated with surgery. Materials and methods: 66 pediatric patients with pleural empyema were included in the study. Patients were classified as patients treated with tube thoracostomy and thoracotomy. The characteristics of the groups were investigated. The factors that are effective in the application of tube thoracostomy and thoracotomy were evaluated. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age was 5.36 ± 3.85. While 38 (%58) of the patients were male, 28 (42%) were female. 52 (79%) of patients were underwent tube thoracostomy, while 14 (%21) of patients were performed thoracotomy. The average age, the presence of loculations, purulent fluid aspiration with thoracentesis, the average pH, the average glukoz and the average LDH were found to have a significant effect on the application of thoracotomy (p<0.05). Conclusion: Pediatric empyema requires a multidisciplinary approach. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Tube thoracostomy is the primary method of treatment. However, decortication with thoracotomy should be the primary method in the case of loculations and purulent fluid aspiration with thoracentesis.