RT Journal
A1 Mahant S, Cohen E, Weinstein M, Wadhwa A
T1 Video-assisted thorascopic surgery vs chest drain with fibrinolytics for the treatment of pleural empyema in children: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
JF Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
JO Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
YR 2010
FD February 1
VO 164
IS 2
SP 201
OP 203
DO 10.1001/archpediatrics.2009.271
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpediatrics.2009.271
AB 
There is marked variability in treatment of pleural empyema in children1- 2 and a debate over whether video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is more effective than chest drain with fibrinolytics. A meta-analysis of observational studies and subsequent large observational studies concluded that surgical management, in particular VATS, is most effective.1- 3 We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the effectiveness of these treatments for pleural empyema in children.