BACKGROUND: Lateral thoracotomy is a relatively common procedure in the neonate. Early reports on the incidence of shoulder deformity, scoliosis, and winged scapula rapidly led to a muscle-sparing approach. Scar cosmesis, however, received less attention. Better education and increasing sophistication have led to a higher aesthetic expectation by the public. METHODS: Since 1988 the authors have combined both principles in the high axillary skin crease approach to lateral thoracotomy in 27 children with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula and two children with a patent ductus arteriosus. RESULTS: Access was not restricted, and early healing was uncomplicated by wound breakdown or infection. Scar aesthetics is excellent and is enhanced by the natural tendency of the scar to migrate into the axilla. Long-term morbidity has been singularly absent. CONCLUSION: Parent appreciation and operator satisfaction have been noteworthy.
BACKGROUND: Lateral thoracotomy is a relatively common procedure in the neonate. Early reports on the incidence of shoulder deformity, scoliosis, and winged scapula rapidly led to a muscle-sparing approach. Scar cosmesis, however, received less attention. Better education and increasing sophistication have led to a higher aesthetic expectation by the public. METHODS: Since 1988 the authors have combined both principles in the high axillary skin crease approach to lateral thoracotomy in 27 children with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula and two children with a patent ductus arteriosus. RESULTS: Access was not restricted, and early healing was uncomplicated by wound breakdown or infection. Scar aesthetics is excellent and is enhanced by the natural tendency of the scar to migrate into the axilla. Long-term morbidity has been singularly absent. CONCLUSION: Parent appreciation and operator satisfaction have been noteworthy.
Authors: Hope T Jackson; Sohail R Shah; Emily Hathaway; Evan P Nadler; Richard L Amdur; Shannon McGue; Timothy D Kane Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2015-10-19 Impact factor: 4.584
Authors: George W Holcomb; Steven S Rothenberg; Klaas M A Bax; Marcelo Martinez-Ferro; Craig T Albanese; Daniel J Ostlie; David C van Der Zee; C K Yeung Journal: Ann Surg Date: 2005-09 Impact factor: 12.969
Authors: Dor Markush; Kelleigh E Briden; Michael Chung; Katherine W Herbst; Trudy J Lerer; Stephen Neff; Amy C Wu; Brendan T Campbell Journal: Pediatr Surg Int Date: 2014-02-01 Impact factor: 1.827