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Published on: December 29, 2014
Thoracoscopic thymectomy in children: our preliminary experience
Francesco Molinaro1, Alfredo Garzi, Elisa Cerchia
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
Summary
This study shows video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy is a safe and effective minimally invasive option for pediatric thymoma. Early thymectomy in children can be achieved with this approach.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Anterior mediastinal masses in children can be thymomas.
- Surgical resection is the primary treatment for thymoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a preliminary series of pediatric thymoma cases treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy.
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of this minimally invasive approach in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of six children with anterior mediastinal thymoma from 2000-2012.
- All patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy.
- Data collected included clinical presentation, surgical details, and follow-up.
Main Results:
- Six children (5 male, 1 female) underwent thoracoscopic thymectomy.
- Mean operative time was 120 minutes; mean hospital stay was 5 days.
- No malignancies were found on histology; mean follow-up was 38 months.
Conclusions:
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy is a viable, less invasive alternative for pediatric thymoma.
- The right-sided approach offers better venous anatomy visualization.
- Early thymectomy is facilitated by this minimally invasive technique.
