THE ROLE OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE THORACIC SURGERY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TUBERCULOUS EMPYEMA
Keywords:
tuberculous empyema, thoracic surgery, minimally invasive surgery, VATS, pleural infection, tuberculosis complicationsAbstract
Tuberculous empyema remains a challenging complication of pulmonary tuberculosis, characterized by purulent pleural infection and thickened pleural peel leading to lung entrapment. Traditional management often involves prolonged antibiotic therapy and open surgical decortication, which can be associated with significant morbidity. Minimally invasive thoracic surgery, particularly video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), has emerged as an effective alternative for diagnosis, drainage, and decortication in selected patients. This article reviews the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment modalities for tuberculous empyema, with a focus on the advantages, limitations, and outcomes of minimally invasive surgical approaches.
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