Thoracoscopic lung resection in children

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the technique of video-assis ted 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 lun g pathology. This included 88 wedge biopsies, 12 resections of bullous or c ystic disease, 9 lobectomies or segmental resections, and 4 bronchogenic cy sts. Results: All procedures were completed successfully. Two patients with meta static disease had surgery converted to a standard thoracotomy for extensiv e 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 V ATS approach. Conclusion: VATS is a safe and effective technique in the diagnosis and tre atment of pediatric pulmonary disease. J Pediatr Surg 35:277-275. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.