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Thoracoscopic excision of a paraesophageal bronchogenic cyst in a child
1Department of Surgery, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita, Kansas, USA.
Insights
Video-assisted thoracoscopy effectively removed a pediatric bronchogenic cyst. This minimally invasive approach offers a safe and efficient alternative for mediastinal mass removal in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Thoracic surgery
- Surgical oncology
Background:
- Bronchogenic cysts are common mediastinal masses in children, presenting varied symptoms.
- They account for approximately 6% of pediatric mediastinal masses.
- Presentation ranges from asymptomatic to severe respiratory distress.
Observation:
- A pediatric case of a bronchogenic cyst densely adherent to the esophagus was reported.
- Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) was employed for cyst removal.
- A Harmonic scalpel facilitated dissection due to dense adhesions.
Findings:
- Successful removal of the bronchogenic cyst using VATS.
- Chest tube removal on postoperative day 1 and discharge on day 2.
- Postoperative esophagogram confirmed no esophageal complications; symptoms resolved.
Implications:
- Bronchogenic cysts are important differential diagnoses for pediatric mediastinal masses.
- VATS is a viable and effective alternative to open thoracotomy for pediatric bronchogenic cyst removal.
- Minimally invasive techniques improve patient outcomes and reduce recovery time.
Background:
Bronchogenic cysts are not uncommon in either children or adults. In children, they comprise approximately 6% of all mediastinal masses. Their presentation can range from an asymptomatic incidental finding to sudden respiratory distress.
Case Report:
Video-assisted thoracoscopy was utilized to remove a bronchogenic cyst that was densely adherent to the adjacent esophagus in a child. This was accomplished with a Harmonic scalpel. The chest tube was removed on postoperative day 1, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 2. An esophagogram obtained 2 weeks after surgery was normal, and the patient's preoperative symptoms had not returned.
Conclusions:
Bronchogenic cysts should be considered in the differential diagnoses for mediastinal masses at any age. Given their benign nature, thoracoscopy offers an excellent alternative to open thoracotomy for their removal.
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