Available surgical procedures
| Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) | Achieves debridement of fibrinous pyogenic material, break down of loculations, and drainage of pus from the pleural cavity under direct vision. Leaves three small scars |
| Mini-thoracotomy | Achieves debridement and evacuation in a similar manner to VATS but it is an open procedure leaving a small linear scar |
| Decortication | Involves an open thoracotomy and excision of the thick fibrous pleural rind with evacuation of pyogenic material. It is a longer and more complicated procedure |