Thoracoscopic treatment of pediatric lung abscesses

ObjectiveLung abscesses in the pediatric population are relatively rare. We present our consecutive series of thoracoscopically treated pediatric lung abscesses.MethodsA retrospective review of children who underwent thoracoscopic drainage of intraparenchymal lung abscesses between October 2006 and January 2009 at a tertiary referral center.All patients had associated parapneumonic empyema and underwent drainage of the abscess concurrently with thoracoscopic treatment of the empyema.ResultsEleven children (4 boys and 7 girls) had thoracoscopic intervention for lung abscesses. A total of seventeen abscesses were drained. All procedures were completed thoracoscopically. There were no mortalities or long-term bronchopleural fistulas. No child required a formal thoracotomy, lung resection or a second operation. Mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 11.0 days (range, 3-36). Mean length of stay was 19.5 days (range, 6-77 days). Mean duration of postoperative chest tube was 3.6 days (range, 2-8). Mean length to defervescence was 4.8 days (range, 1-11 days).Mean duration of postoperative antibiotics was 23.6 days (range, 3-56). Eight children had organisms identified from intraoperative cultures.ConclusionsThoracoscopic drainage of pediatric lung abscesses is a viable and safe treatment option. Thoracoscopic abscess drainage is associated with minimal morbidity and may result in faster recovery and a shorter course of antibiotics.