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Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the paediatric population
1Cardiothoracic Unit, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) offers a useful approach for selected pediatric cases. Further advancements in anesthesia and instrumentation are needed for broader application in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is established in adult thoracic procedures.
- Limited data exists on VATS application in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of VATS in children under 16.
- To assess the range of thoracic conditions treatable with VATS in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 14 pediatric patients undergoing VATS over 18 months.
- Analysis of surgical procedures, complications, and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Ten VATS procedures were successfully performed in nine pediatric patients (age range: 22 days to 15 years).
- Procedures included pleural effusion drainage, pericardial effusion drainage, thymectomy, wedge resections, and bleb excisions with pleurodesis.
- No intra-operative complications occurred; one post-operative death from dysrhythmia was noted. Mean chest tube drainage was 1.4 days and hospital stay was 2.6 days.
Conclusions:
- VATS is a viable and useful surgical approach for selected pediatric thoracic conditions.
- Refinement of anesthetic techniques and endoscopic instrumentation is crucial for expanding VATS use in children.