[Modified "trap-door" thoracotomy for pediatric patients].
BACKGROUND
Surgical approach of the cervicothoracic junction has been traditionally done by cervicotomy and/or thoracotomy. Nevertheless, this access does not allow a suitable control of vasculonervous structures. Due to this we present our experience with a variation of the "Trap-door" thoracotomy which gives the best access to this area applied to pediatric patients


METHODS
We present 4 patients of 2.8 +/- 1.9 years of age treated in our hospital by a cervicothoracotomy transmanubrial approach without clavicular luxation. One patient presented a stage IV cervicothoracic neuroblastoma, 1 patient had a cervicothoracic lymphangioma, one a severe cervicothoracic scoliosis and one a total cricoid atresia associated to an oesophageal atresia type IIIc (Vogt). This surgical approach allowed a perfect control of brachiocefalic and nervous structures as well as a correct visualization of all the cervicothoracic intervertebral foramina. Postoperative pain was controlled by epidural catheters, oral analgesic treatment was introduced in the fifth postoperative day.


RESULTS
Complete resection and surgical treatment was possible in all patients, not being necessary the section of any vascular or nervous structure. There were no intraoperatory or postoperative complications. One patient presented a temporary Homer's syndrome. No tumoral recurrence has been noted after a mean follow-up of 2.3 +/- 3.1 years. CONCLUSION. The modified "Trap-door" approach allows a good control of the brachiocephalic structures and a complete visualization of the upper thorax and posterior mediastinum. Due to its low morbidity this access may be very useful since it allows an important vascular control and an excellent surgical field. Our modification of the "Trap-door" approach avoids clavicular luxation and has the advantage of no sequelaes in the functionality of the escapulo-humeral articulation.
Laín
A
A
Servicio Cirugía Pediátrica, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid. alfhiler@yahoo.es
Parente
A
A
Cañiizo
A
A
Fanjul
M
M
García-Casillas
M A
MA
Matute
J A
JA
Vázquez
J
J
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D004947:Esophagus / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000601:surgery; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013899:Thoracic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*