Thoracoscopic Surgery in Childhood Cancer

Abstract

Thoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of children with cancer can be efficacious, safe, and cost-effective. Mediastinal masses can usually be biopsied and resected by thoracoscopy alone. Conversion to open thoracotomy for a more complete resection can be safely accomplished if needed. Thoracoscopic removal of lung nodules allows more accurate staging and early initiation of chemotherapy. Thoracoscopic biopsy of lung infiltrates can be safely performed in intubated, critically ill children and changed the treatment in all of these patients. Surgery time and days in hospital were decreased compared with historical thoracotomy data.