[Thoracoscopic lobectomy: initial experience]

Analizing our preliminary experience in the treatment of pulmonary malformations with thoracoscopic lobectomy.

We have reviewed our first cases of thoracoscopic lobectomy during last year (2008-09). We have performed 6 thoracoscopic lobectomies in 6 male patients with a mean age of 16 months (6 months-4 years). They were 3 lower lobectomies (2 right and one left), 2 right upper lobectomies and one lingular sparing left upper lobectomy. Lung lesion was a congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation in 5 (2 of them asociated with intralobar sequestration) and one lobar emphysema due to bronquial atresia.

Selective bronchial intubation was used in 4 cases and and tracheal intubation with bronchial blocker in 2. There were no conversions to open thoracotomy. Mean operative time was 202' (155-250'). There were no intraoperative nor postoperative complications. None of these patients needed blood transfusion. Mean drainage time was 3.5 days (3-4 d) and mean discharge time was 4.8 days (4-7 d). With a mean follow-up time of 5.3 months (2 m-12 m), all of the patients have no symptoms and X-ray are normal.

Thoracoscopic lobectomy is a safe and efective approach to treat congenital pulmonary pathology. The keys to perform it safely are good anesthetic management, adequate instruments for children size, and careful disection of broncovascular structures. Advantages of the minimal access surgery and implementation and miniaturization of the instruments and sealing devices will favor its progressive use.