Thoracoscopic lobectomy for prenatally diagnosed lung lesions.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this report is to assess the technique and outcome of thoracoscopic lobectomy for asymptomatic prenatally diagnosed lung lesions.


METHODS
From June 1999 to March 2002, 14 consecutive asymptomatic patients with a prenatal diagnosis of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation or pulmonary sequestration, ages 3 to 15 months, underwent postnatal thoracoscopic lobectomy. Single-lung ventilation and controlled pneumothorax with low pressure (4 torr) and low flow (1.0 L/min) were used in all. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 35 months.


RESULTS
All procedures were completed successfully using 3 ports. Rather than using stapling devices or clips, pulmonary vessels were sealed and the fissure completed (when necessary) with the Ligasure thermal energy device. Eleven lesions were on the left (10 lower lobe), and 3 were in the right lower lobe. The mean operating time was 110 minutes. The average hospital stay was 38 hours. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report of a completely thoracoscopic technique for pulmonary lobectomy in small children. Thoracoscopic lobectomy is a relatively quick and safe procedure, and the cosmetic result is excellent. Early resection obviates the risk of infection in these lesions.
Albanese
Craig T
CT
Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, and the Fetal Treatment Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0570, USA.
Sydorak
Roman M
RM
Tsao
KuoJen
K
Lee
Hanmin
H
D001998:Bronchopulmonary Sequestration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology / Q000601:surgery*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015615:Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of Lung, Congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology / Q000601:surgery*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011031:Pneumothorax, Artificial; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal