Efficacy of uniportal video-assisted medical thoracoscopy in the management of multiloculated pleural infections: a retrospective study

Background Pleural infection is a serious medical issue for which the appropriate management is still controversial. Complicated (multiloculated) pleural infection usually requires invasive approach. Results A retrospective study that aims to assess the efficacy of uniportal video-assisted medical thoracoscopy in the management of complicated (multiloculated) pleural infections. Review of the charts of 37 patients with multiloculated pleural infections who were treated by uniportal video-assisted medical thoracoscopy. There were 30 (81.08%) males and 7 (18.91%) females, age ranging from 22 to 73 years, with a mean age of 49.13 +/- 15. Etiology of empyema was complicated parapneumonic effusion in 25 patients (67.5%), tuberculosis in 10 patients (27.02%), and malignancy in 2 patients (5.40%). Treatment of multiloculated pleural infections by uniportal video-assisted medical thoracoscopy was successful in 33 patients (89.1%); those patients did not require any further intervention. Among successful cases, 25 patients (75.75%) showed complete resolution, and 8 patients (24.24%) showed partial success. Four patients (10.81%) required subsequent thoracotomy with decortication. Conclusion The conclusion of the present study is that uniportal video-assisted medical thoracoscopy is a safe, valuable, and effective tool in the management of multiloculated pleural infections.