[Pleural empyema. Thoracoscoopic treatment]. / Empiema pleural. Tratamiento toracoscópico.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of primary and secondary thoracoscopy in children with parapneumonic empyema. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a retrospective study of 24 children entered our hospital between years 1998 and 2003. RESULTS: Early thoracoscopy doesn't influence in length of stay. 12 children (50%) were treated with previous chest tube and other 12 children (50%) without it. There is statistical significance in length of hospital stay. The days with postoperative fever didn't decrease, but it was seen if we compare it from the beginning of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: An early thoracoscopy decrease length of hospital stay and the duration of fever postoperative.