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Transaxillary minithoracotomy in intrathoracic surgery for 316 infants and children
Qiang Shu1, Zewei Zhang, Xiongkai Zhu
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China. shu_qiang@hotmail.com
Objective:
To introduce the technique of intrathoracic surgery performed through vertical transaxillary minithoracotomy.
Methods:
From March 1989 to March 2001, 316 patients underwent intrathoracic surgery through a vertical transaxillary minithoracotomy. 285 patients suffered from patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), 10 congenital esophageal atresia, 8 congenital pulmonary cysts, 6 congenital emphysema, 1 pulmonary sequestration, 5 mediastinal tumor, and 1 eventration of the diaphragm.
Results:
All of the patients were successfully treated under satisfactory exposure. No operative mortality and severe postoperative complications occurred.
Conclusions:
Intrathoracic surgery performed through a vertical transaxillary minithoracotomy appears to be less invasive, and is a simple, safe, cosmetically acceptable and efficient approach.