S S Rothenberg1. 1. The Hospital for Infants and Children at Presbyterian/St Lukes, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, CO, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the technique of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in lung resections in infants and children. METHODS: From December 1992 to December 1998 113 consecutive patients, ages 3 weeks to 19 years, underwent VATS for biopsy or resection of various lung pathology. This included 88 wedge biopsies, 12 resections of bullous or cystic disease, 9 lobectomies or segmental resections, and 4 bronchogenic cysts. RESULTS: All procedures were completed successfully. Two patients with metastatic disease had surgery converted to a standard thoracotomy for extensive resections. The average operating time for a wedge biopsy of 2 sites was 26 minutes and 210 minutes for a lobectomy. The average hospital stay after wedge resection was 1.1 days. There were no complications related to the VATS approach. CONCLUSION: VATS is a safe and effective technique in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric pulmonary disease.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the technique of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in lung resections in infants and children. METHODS: From December 1992 to December 1998 113 consecutive patients, ages 3 weeks to 19 years, underwent VATS for biopsy or resection of various lung pathology. This included 88 wedge biopsies, 12 resections of bullous or cystic disease, 9 lobectomies or segmental resections, and 4 bronchogenic cysts. RESULTS: All procedures were completed successfully. Two patients with metastatic disease had surgery converted to a standard thoracotomy for extensive resections. The average operating time for a wedge biopsy of 2 sites was 26 minutes and 210 minutes for a lobectomy. The average hospital stay after wedge resection was 1.1 days. There were no complications related to the VATS approach. CONCLUSION: VATS is a safe and effective technique in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric pulmonary disease.