Aesthetics and lateral thoracotomy in the neonate.
BACKGROUND
Lateral thoracotomy is a relatively common procedure in the neonate. Early reports on the incidence of shoulder deformity, scoliosis, and winged scapula rapidly led to a muscle-sparing approach. Scar cosmesis, however, received less attention. Better education and increasing sophistication have led to a higher aesthetic expectation by the public.


METHODS
Since 1988 the authors have combined both principles in the high axillary skin crease approach to lateral thoracotomy in 27 children with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula and two children with a patent ductus arteriosus.


RESULTS
Access was not restricted, and early healing was uncomplicated by wound breakdown or infection. Scar aesthetics is excellent and is enhanced by the natural tendency of the scar to migrate into the axilla. Long-term morbidity has been singularly absent.


CONCLUSIONS
Parent appreciation and operator satisfaction have been noteworthy.
Bianchi
A
A
The Neonatal Surgical Unit, St Mary's Hospital Manchester, England.
Sowande
O
O
Alizai
N K
NK
Rampersad
B
B
D001365:Axilla; D002921:Cicatrix; D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000601:surgery*; D004954:Esthetics; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*