Thoracoscopic pneumonectomy in a 4 year-old-child with destroyed lung following viral pneumonia

Pediatric pneumonectomies are exceptional nowadays, being reserved for cases with destroyed lungs with frequent exacerbations and reinfections and only two cases of thoracoscopic pneumonectomy have been previously published. We present the case of a 4-year-old patient with no relevant history who developed complete atelectasis of the left lung (LL) after influenza A pneumonia, followed by secondary recurrent infections. A year later a diagnostic bronchoscopy without alterations was performed. A complete loss of volume and hypoperfusion of the LL (right lung perfusion 95%, LL perfusion: 5%) with bronchiectasis and hyperinsufflation and herniation of the right lung into the left hemithorax was observed in a pulmonary perfusion SPECT-CT. After unsuccessful conservative management and recurrent infections a pneumonectomy was indicated. The pneumonectomy was performed through a five-port thoracoscopy. The dissection of the hilum was made using hook electrocautery and sealing device. The left main bronchus was sectioned with an endostapler. There were no intraoperative complications. An endothoracic drain was removed the first postoperative day. The patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. The patient has not presented any complications 10 months after surgery. Although pneumonectomy is an exceptional surgery in children, it can be performed by minimally invasive surgery with success and safety in centers with extensive experience in pediatric thoracoscopic surgery.