Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical excision of cystic lung disease in children

Purpose: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS) technique for resection of cystic lung disease (CLD) may offer some advantages when compared with thoracotomy in children. From September 1999 to August 2004, 6 pediatric patients underwent VATS for CLD. Patients were chosen for VATS based upon surgeon's choice. Data are expressed as mean ± SD. The Children's Healthcare of Atlanta institutional review board approved this study. Results: The types of lesions included congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations (n = 1), extrapulmonary sequestrations (n = 3), congenital lobar emphysema (n = 1), and bronchogenic cyst (n = 1). The extent of resection included lobectomy (n = 2) and excision (n = 4). Age and weight were 11.8 ± 18 months (range 6 days to 4 years) and 7.5 ± 3.6 (range 4.0-14.0) kg, respectively. Operating time was 103 ± 70 (range 38-223) minutes. Chest tube duration was 1.2 ± 0.8 (range 0-2) days. Morphine use on the first postoperative day was 0.2 ± 0.3(range 0.05-0.20) mg/kg. Length of stay was 2.5 ± 1.9 (range 1-6) days. There were no conversions to thoracotomy and no complications. Conclusion: VATS technique appears to be a safe and effective technique in managing CLD in children of all ages. More patients, however, need to be studied.