Chest tube vs keyhole surgery for early empyema
Part of Lungs & breathing clinical trials.
This study compares two treatments for early-stage empyema (a lung infection that creates a pus pocket): temporary chest tube drainage called ICT, and a keyhole surgery called VATS. It aims to see which works better for patients who are well enough for surgery.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You have been diagnosed with empyema (a pus pocket around the lung).
- It is still in an early stage (called 'second stage') — your doctor can check this.
- The empyema is caused by infection, not cancer.
- You are not in severe breathing distress and are well enough for surgery.
- You do not have a serious heart condition or a weakened immune system.
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
Similar studies
Other trials that look related to this one.
This trial compares two ways to treat pleural empyema, which is infected fluid and pus around the lung. It looks at whether a minimally invasive surgery (VATS) works better than drainage in helping people recover.
This trial is testing whether a single chest tube (intercostal tube) is enough to treat empyema, a serious infection with pus around the lung. It looks only at people whose empyema came from causes other than surgery, injury, TB, or a fistula.
This trial compares two video-assisted surgery techniques (decortication vs. debridement) for treating complicated pleural infection that hasn't improved with antibiotics or chest tube drainage. It also looks at two scoring systems to help predict which surgery you might need.
This study compares two different times to remove the chest tube after surgery for a first-time collapsed lung. The goal is to find out if taking the tube out earlier is just as safe and effective as waiting longer.
This study compares two ways to manage the chest tube and pain after surgery for a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). The goal is to find out which approach helps patients recover faster and with less pain.
This trial compares two sizes of chest tubes (16F and 24F) placed after minimally invasive lung cancer surgery. The goal is to see which size leads to better recovery and less pain, while still draining fluid and air effectively.
Hear when a new Second Stage Empyema trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.