Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment of Hepatic Hydrothorax Complicated by Empyema: A Case Report.

Hepatic hydrothorax complicated by empyema is difficult to manage. A 53-year-old man with liver cirrhosis was admitted for refractory right pleural effusion. He had a pleural catheter inserted 2 months prior. Pleural fluid appeared as exudate, and bacteria were identified in the pleural fluid culture. After confirming full ipsilateral lung expansion, minimally invasive surgery was performed. A diaphragmatic defect found by creating a pneumoperitoneum was closed, followed by talc pleurodesis. Postoperatively, overnight positive-pressure ventilation and 5-day peritoneal drainage were performed; chest tube drainage dramatically reduced over this time. At the 10-month follow-up, no recurrence of pleural effusion or signs of infection were observed.