Comparison of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and intrapleural urokinase as an initial treatment for parapneumonic effusion and thoracic empyema

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The treatment of complicated parapneumonic effusion [PPE] and thoracic empyema [TE] is controversial; and the choice of treatment after confirming the failure of simple drainage remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of intrapleural urokinase [UK] administration and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery [VATS] as initial treatment options for PPE and TE