Thoracoscopy for diagnosis of intrathoracic lesions in children.

Disenchantment with available techniques for specific diagnosis of intrathoracic pulmonary lesions in children has led us to explore the usefulness of thoracoscopy. We have performed this technique in nine patients ranging in age from 17 mo to 16 yr. The procedure is performed under intravenous anesthesia with the patient spontaneously breathing oxygen. A fiberoptic rod lens system is employed for the direct observation and biopsy of pulmonary parenchymal or chest wall lesions. Adequate tissue has been obtained in each case to allow a specific diagnosis. There has been no mortality from this procedure and only minor morbidity. We believe that this technique offers a rapid and simple method for the diagnosis of diffuse or localized disease of pulmonary parenchyma or chest wall in children.