Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
11:17

Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Published on: February 27, 2026

Videothoracoscopic drainage for esophageal perforation with mediastinitis in children

Li Peng1, Xu Quan, Ji Zongzheng

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China. sienafiat@hotmail.com

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|March 7, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Minimally invasive videothoracoscopic drainage effectively treats pediatric esophageal perforation with mediastinitis. This approach offers a feasible solution with no perioperative mortality and no major long-term complications for children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Esophageal perforation is a severe condition with high mortality, often exceeding 20%.
  • Delayed treatment (over 24 hours) significantly increases mortality risk.
  • Optimal management for esophageal perforation with mediastinitis, especially in children, remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of videothoracoscopic drainage for esophageal perforation with mediastinitis in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 8 children (6 male, 2 female; ages 2-6 years) underwent videothoracoscopic drainage.
  • The study period was from April 2000 to March 2004.

Main Results:

  • The mean hospital stay was 34.1 days (range: 14-47 days).
  • No perioperative mortality was observed in the study group.
  • All patients were discharged without significant long-term health issues or sequelae.

Conclusions:

  • Minimally invasive videothoracoscopic drainage is a viable and effective treatment for pediatric esophageal perforation complicated by mediastinitis.
  • This technique demonstrates a favorable safety profile and good outcomes in young patients.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis01:26

Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis

Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy01:30

Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy

Endoscopy is a non-surgical medical technique used to examine a person's internal organs and vessels. This lesson will focus on two types of endoscopic studies: bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy.
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations: