Video-assisted surgery for treating empyema in children

Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) Versus Thoracotomy in Management of Empyema in Pediatric Patients

Not applicable Interventional Assiut University · NCT06424457

This study tests whether a less invasive video-assisted surgery can help children with empyema from pneumonia recover better than traditional open surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment73 (estimated)
Ages1 Year to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorAssiut University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Asyut)
Trial IDNCT06424457 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) compared to traditional open thoracotomy in managing thoracic empyema in pediatric patients. The procedure aims to provide a less invasive option that allows for complete evacuation and cleaning of the pleural cavity, potentially leading to shorter hospital stays and fewer postoperative complications. By comparing these two surgical approaches, the study seeks to determine the advantages and disadvantages of VATS in treating empyema caused by pneumonia in children.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pediatric patients aged 1 to 18 years with empyema due to pneumonia lasting less than 3 weeks.

Not a fit: Patients younger than 1 year, those with empyema lasting more than 3 weeks, or those with empyema caused by trauma or other specific conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved recovery outcomes and reduced complications for pediatric patients with empyema.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with VATS in similar contexts, suggesting that this approach may be effective, though this specific comparison may be novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* pediatric patients 1 yrs. : ≤ 18 yrs.
* Patients with empyema due to pneumonia.
* Patients with empyema had lasted for fewer than 3 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients \< 1 yrs. old.
* Patients with whom pleural empyema had lasted for more than 3 weeks.
* Patients with empyema had been caused by trauma.
* Patients whose parents refuse to be included in the study.
* Patients with empyema due to ruptured lung abscess.
* Patients with empyema due to chest wall abscess.
* Patients with empyema due to rib osteomyelitis.
* Patients with bronchopleural fistula.
* Patients with post-surgical empyema.

Where this trial is running

Asyut

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Thoracic Empyemapediatric empyemaVATS decortication
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.