Thoracoscopic resection of neurogenic tumors in children.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of thoracoscopy in neurogenic tumors in infants and children.


METHODS
From January 2000 to October 2005, 21 patients aged 7 months to 14 years (mean, 6 years) underwent thoracoscopy for tumor resection in 5 French institutions. One 10-mm optical port and 2 operative 5-mm ports were needed. Selective intubation was required for 3 patients aged about 12 years. Tumor was removed with an endoscopic bag in all cases.


RESULTS
All procedures were completed successfully without any incomplete resection or recurrence. One conversion was necessary because of a huge mass. A chest tube was left for a mean of 2 days for 17 children. Two children had not had any drainage. Two postoperative chylothorax required chest drainage for 12 days. Only 5 of the 6 older patients (mean age, 12 years) needed a patient-controlled analgesia. The mean operative time was about 100 minutes. Hospital stay ranged from 4 to 12 days. Tumors were neuroblastoma or ganglioneuroblastoma in 16 cases and ganglioneuroma in the 5 other cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Thoracoscopy for resection of thoracic neurogenic tumors in children is a feasible, safe, and efficient procedure. The surgeon has a better visualization of the tumor and its anatomic connections. Resection can be as complete as an open procedure without having to complicate the operative technique in the same operating time. It avoids cosmetic and functional disorders because of thoracotomy. It allows a good cosmetic resection without spillage.
Lacreuse
Isabelle
I
Paediatric Surgery Department, University of Strasbourg, France. isatalon@free.fr
Valla
Jean Stéphane
JS
de Lagausie
Pascal
P
Varlet
François
F
Héloury
Yves
Y
Temporal
Guy
G
Bastier
Richard
R
Becmeur
François
F
D000293:Adolescent; D015505:Chest Tubes; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D018305:Ganglioneuroblastoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery*; D005729:Ganglioneuroma / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery; D016259:Genes, myc; D006732:Horner Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery*; D011031:Pneumothorax, Artificial; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013899:Thoracic Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery*; D013906:Thoracoscopy