Thoracoscopy for Pediatric Thoracic Neurogenic Tumors-A European Multi-Center Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Thoracic Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Thoracic neurogenic tumors are a significant concern in pediatric patients.
• Accurate assessment and effective treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of thoracoscopy in treating pediatric thoracic neurogenic tumors.
• To identify factors influencing surgical and oncologic results.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 119 pediatric patients who underwent thoracoscopy for thoracic neurogenic tumors across 15 European centers (2000-2020).
• Assessment of preoperative data, complications, and outcomes, including image-defined risk factors (IDRF) and response to chemotherapy.
• Analysis of pathological findings, recurrence rates, and survival data.

Main Results:

• Thoracoscopy was performed on 119 patients (median age 4 years).
• Complications included chylothorax and pneumothorax; long-term issues included Horner's syndrome and scoliosis.
• Recurrence was linked to tumor biology, histology, and chemotherapy (p=0.034, <0.001, 0.015); residues correlated with preoperative IDRF and chemotherapy (p=0.04, 0.020).

Conclusions:

• Thoracoscopy is a safe and effective approach for selected pediatric thoracic neurogenic tumors.
• Surgical outcomes are associated with image-defined risk factors.
• Oncologic outcomes are influenced by tumor histology and biology.