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[Thoracoscopy: the pediatric experience in Padua].
P Betalli1, C Zanatta, G Stefanutti
1Dipartimento di Pediatria, Divisione di Chirurgia Pediatrica, Università di Padova. pietro-bet@hotmail.com
La Pediatria Medica E Chirurgica : Medical and Surgical Pediatrics
|February 11, 2005
Summary
Pediatric Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy (VATS) is safe and effective for treating various thoracic conditions, including Patent Ductus Arteriosus and pleural empyema, with low complication rates. This study supports its expanded use in pediatric surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Thoracoscopy is a valuable treatment for thoracic pathologies but its application in pediatric patients remains limited.
- This study retrospectively evaluates thoracoscopic procedures performed in a pediatric surgery department over six years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and efficacy of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy (VATS) in pediatric patients.
- To analyze the outcomes of VATS for various thoracic conditions in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 115 pediatric patients who underwent VATS between 1997 and the study period.
- Data reviewed included patient demographics, pathologies treated, and complications.
Main Results:
- VATS was performed on 115 patients (47 males, 68 females) with conditions including Patent Ductus Arteriosus (95), Pleural Empyema (14), Mediastinal Mass (3), and Lung Disease (3).
- Overall complication rate was low, with three reported cases: two in the PDA group (laryngeal nerve paralysis, chylothorax) and one in the pleural empyema group (post-operative bleeding).
Conclusions:
- Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy (VATS) is a safe procedure in pediatric surgery with minimal morbidity.
- The low incidence of early and late complications observed in this study supports the continued development and utilization of thoracoscopy in children.