Pulmonary parenchymal abscess: VATS approach to diagnosis and treatment

Lung abscesses are usually treated with antibiotic regimens and postural drainage. Treatment failure necessitates transbronchial drainage with radiographically guided or open procedures. A patient with a lung abscess remained febrile despite a 2-week course of antibiotics and 3 unsuccessful percutaneous drainage attempts. Video-assisted thoracoscopic exploration localized the abscess and facilitated endoscopic unroofing and debridement of the cavity. Thoracoscopic drainage techniques offer a reliable and expedient option for refractory lung abscesses when compared to standard therapy alone.