Anesthetic Challenges during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries for pediatric empyema thoracis: A case series

Abstract

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a less invasive approach for thoracoscopic surgery providing better visualization through minimal access. In addition, it offers less postoperative pain, fewer operative complications, and shortened hospital stay. These advantages make VATS ideal for the pediatric age group. Various societies recommend the use of VATS for Stage 2 pulmonary empyema and also in some cases of early Stage 3 where the plane of cleavage exists between the pleura and the exudate. A well-executed one-lung ventilation (OLV) is necessary for a successful VATS; however, performance of OLV and postoperative pain management in children poses a challenging task for an anesthesiologist.

Keywords

• empyema thoracic
• one-lung ventilation
• pain postoperative
• pediatric
• video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery