Outcomes of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Decortication

Thoracoscopic decortication for empyema, complex pleural effusion, and hemothorax yields results that are at least equivalent to open decortication. Patients undergoing VATSD have fewer postoperative complications. The conversion and reoperation rates are low, suggesting that a thoracoscopic approach is an effective and reasonable first option for most patients with complex pleural effusions and empyema.