A new criterion including the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index and liver and spleen stiffness to rule out varices needing treatment in children with biliary atresia: Modification of the Baveno VII criteria.

AIMS: Biliary atresia (BA) is a congestive biliary disease that develops in the neonatal period or early infancy. It may present with portal hypertension and varices needing treatment (VNT) even after successful Kasai portoenterostomy. This study aimed to stratify the risk of VNT in children and adolescents with BA. METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, we measured liver stiffness (LS) and spleen stiffness (SS) by two-dimensional shear wave elastography and checked for VNT endoscopically in 53 patients with BA who attended for follow-up between July 2018 and September 2022. Varices needing treatment were defined as large esophageal varices, esophageal varices of any size with red color signs, and/or gastric varices along the cardia. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (aged 0-18 years) had VNT. Eighteen patients met the Baveno VI criteria (LS <20 kPa; platelet count >150 000/L) and were deemed to be at low risk of VNT (spared endoscopies) while three had missed VNT (16.7%). Applying the Baveno VII criteria, which combines the SS cut-off value of 40 kPa with the Baveno VI criteria, resulted in five missed VNTs among 22 spared endoscopies (22.7%). A modification of the Baveno VII criteria using the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) instead of the platelet count with cut-off values of 25 kPa, 30 kPa, and 1.04 for LS, SS, and APRI, respectively, missed only one VNT (5.0%) among 20 spared endoscopies. CONCLUSIONS: A novel diagnostic criterion that combines LS, SS, and APRI reduced the risk of missing VNT to 5% in children and adolescents with BA.

Update on aortopexy and posterior tracheopexy for tracheomalacia in patients with esophageal atresia.

Despite improving the survival after repair of esophageal atresia (EA), the morbidity of EA repair remains high. Specifically, tracheomalacia (TM) is one of the most frequent complications of EA repair. Continuous positive airway pressure is generally applied for the treatment of TM. However, surgical intervention is required against an apparent life-threatening event or inability to perform extubation for a long period. According to our review, most cases of TM showed symptom improvement after aortopexy. The ratio of the trachea's lateral and anterior-posterior diameter at the brachiocephalic artery crossing the trachea, which reflects the compression of the trachea by the brachiocephalic artery, is a good indicator of aortopexy. Our finding suggests that most TM cases associated with EA may not be caused by tracheal fragility alone, but may involve blood vessel compression. Posterior tracheopexy (PT) is also an effective treatment for TM. Recently, open or thoracoscopic PT was able to be performed simultaneously with EA repair. In many cases, aortopexy or PT is a safe and effective surgical treatment for TM with EA. Other surgical procedures, such as external stenting, should be considered for patients with diffuse-type TM for whom aortopexy and PT appear relatively ineffective.

IgG4-related disease of duodenal obstruction due to multiple ulcers in a 12-year-old girl.

BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic inflammatory disease and affected individuals typically present with an increased infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in the pancreas, hepatobiliary tract, and liver but rarely in the gastrointestinal tract. CASE PRESENTATION: A 12-year-old girl presented with vomiting and poor weight gain. Gastroscopy revealed duodenal stenosis and ulceration. Computed tomography revealed edematous duodenal wall thickening and air-fluid levels on the right side of the duodenum, which suggested duodenal perforation or penetration. She underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, and IgG4-RD was diagnosed via histopathology. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first pediatric case of isolated duodenal IgG4-RD resulting in duodenal obstruction after multiple ulcers. Gastrointestinal IgG4-RD should be among the differential diagnoses of unexplained gastrointestinal obstruction or ulceration even in children.

The presence of high-risk varices after sclerotherapy in biliary atresia.

BACKGROUND: Esophagogastric varices (EGVs) may develop as a result of portal hypertension in children with biliary atresia (BA). Although endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) with ethanolamine oleate (EO) is reported useful for children, risk factors associated with the presence of high-risk EGVs after treatment remain unknown. METHODS: The subjects were BA patients under 15 years of age who underwent EO-EIS. We retrospectively reviewed a total of 28 treatment sessions of EGVs with red signs and those larger than F2, which were considered to be at high risk of bleeding. Survival analysis was performed for the presence of high-risk EGVs at the time of follow-up endoscopy as the occurrence of an event. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed a significantly increased risk of the presence of high-risk EGVs post-EO-EIS in patients with increased liver stiffness (LS) and Mac-2 binding protein glycan isomer (M2BPGi), with hazard ratios of 1.48 and 1.15, respectively. The median presence-free period was significantly shorter in the LS ≥ 2.8 m/s patients than in those with LS <2.8 m/s (189 vs. 266 days). Similarly, the median presence-free period was significantly shorter in patients with M2BPGi ≥ 4.0 than in those with M2BPGi < 4.0 (182 vs. 203 days). The results of multivariate analysis revealed that the risk of the presence of high-risk EGVs was significantly higher only in the high-LS group, with a hazard ratio of 2.76. CONCLUSIONS: Increased LS is associated with risk of the presence of high-risk EGVs following EO-EIS in children with BA.

Hemi-circumferential mucosal resection and anastomosis procedure for rectal prolapse following anorectoplasty for anorectal malformations.

PURPOSE: Rectal prolapse after radical surgery for anorectal malformations (ARMs) is a common postoperative complication that causes bleeding and stenosis, and sometimes requires surgical treatment. Different surgical techniques have been reported, but most are associated with high recurrence rates and a long postoperative stay. We performed the hemi-circumferential mucosal resection and anastomosis procedure (HCMR) to preserve anal muscle and anal function. Here, we report the success of our minimally invasive surgical approach to correct rectal prolapse in patients with ARMs. METHODS: The subjects of this retrospective review were patients who underwent HCMR for rectal prolapse after radical surgery for ARMs between January, 2014 and August, 2021. HCMR involves rectal mucosal resection without muscle plication. RESULTS: A collective 15 HCMR procedures were performed in 10 patients. The median age at repair was 1.8 years (range, 10 months-18 years). The median operation time and postoperative length of stay were 46 min (range, 17-85 min) and 3 days (range, 1-7 days), respectively. The median postoperative observation period was 3 years 4 months (range, 8 months-7 years 10 months) and no complications or recurrences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: HCMR is a safe and effective surgical treatment for rectal prolapse after radical operation for ARMs, which is minimally invasive and preserves rectal muscle and function.

Anastomotic time was associated with postoperative complications: a cumulative sum analysis of thoracoscopic repair of tracheoesophageal fistula in a single surgeon's experience.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the learning curve of thoracoscopic repair of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) by a single surgeon using a cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. METHODS: Prospective clinical data of consecutive Gross type-C TEF repairs performed by a pediatric surgeon from 2010 to 2020 were recorded. CUSUM charts for anastomosis and operating times were generated. The learning curves were compared with the effect of accumulation based on case experience. RESULTS: For 33 consecutive cases, the mean operative and anastomosis times were 139 ± 39 min and 3137 ± 1110 s, respectively. Significant transitions beyond the learning phase for total operating and anastomosis times were observed at cases 13 and 17. Both the total operating time and anastomosis time were significantly faster in the proficiency improvement phase than in the initial learning phase. Postoperative complications significantly decreased after the initial anastomosis learning phase but not after the initial total operating learning phase. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic repair of TEF is considered safe and feasible after 13 cases, where the surgeon can improve their proficiency with the total operation procedure, and 17 cases, which will enable the surgeon to achieve proficiency in anastomosis. Postoperative complications significantly decreased after gaining familiarity with the anastomosis procedure through the learning phase.

Safe thoracoscopic repair of recurrent congenital diaphragmatic hernia after initial open abdominal repair.

PURPOSE: The optimal surgical approach for recurrent congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains controversial. We compared the surgical outcomes of a thoracoscopic approach versus an open abdominal approach for recurrent CDH after initial abdominal open repair. METHOD: The subjects of this comparative study were patients who underwent open abdominal or thoracoscopic surgery for recurrent CDH following an initial open abdominal repair. RESULTS: Among 166 patients with Bochdalek-type CDH, 15 underwent reoperation for recurrent CDH following an open abdominal repair. Seven patients underwent open abdominal surgery (group O) and eight underwent thoracoscopic surgery (group T). The operative duration was similar for the two groups, with less blood loss (17.2 ml/kg vs. 1 ml/kg, P = 0.001) and fewer intraoperative complications in the T group (n = 6 vs. n = 0 cases, P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of postoperative complications (n = 1 vs. n = 1, P = 1.0) or in the number of patients with a second CDH recurrence (n = 2 vs. n = 1, P = 0.569) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic surgery is preferable to the open surgical approach for recurrent CDH following an initial abdominal open repair.

Robotic versus laparoscopic radical surgery for pediatric congenital biliary dilatation: a comparison of surgical outcomes of a single surgeon's initial experience.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to clarify the validity of robot-assisted surgery (RAS) for pediatric patients with congenital biliary dilatation (CBD). METHODS: We retrospectively compared RAS and laparoscopic surgery (LS) for pediatric CBD performed by the same certified surgeon between 2016 and 2022. RESULTS: We included 6 RAS and 12 LS cases in this study. One case of RAS with laparotomy was excluded from the analysis. The patients in the two groups had comparable ages and body weights. The median surgery duration, the suture time per stitch, and the time to drain removal were 385 min, 145 s, and 5 days in the RAS group and 370 min (p = 0.28), 177 s (p = 0.03), and 6 days (p = 0.03) in the LS group, respectively. The time to create the Roux-en-Y limb was significantly longer in the RAS group. Postoperative complications occurred in one RAS case and in four LS cases. CONCLUSIONS: Less anastomotic time per stitch and less time to drain removal suggest that RAS may contribute to accurate suturing and fine intra-pancreatic bile duct dissection. In addition, RAS requiring large movements of forceps in a large surgical field, such as Roux-en-Y creation, is inferior to LS.

Evaluation of minimally invasive surgical skills training: comparing a neonatal esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula model with a dry box.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric surgeons require highly advanced minimally invasive surgical skills to perform rare and complex surgeries in a very vulnerable population. We developed a neonatal esophageal atresia (EA) model to improve thoracoscopic surgical skills. This study aimed to evaluate the concurrent validity of the model by undertaking pre- and post-training skills assessments in two groups of students with no prior experience performing minimally invasive surgery, using the EA model and a dry box (DB). METHODS: A pilot study was performed. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: one trained using the DB and one trained using the EA model. Both groups practiced a minimally invasive surgical suture task. The task completion time, 29-point checklist score, modified suturing error sheet score, and three-dimensional forceps movement in both groups were compared pre-and post-training by video analysis. RESULTS: The EA model task was significantly more difficult than that of the DB. Both groups showed significant improvement in the task time, 29-point checklist score, and modified suturing error sheet score; however, the EA model training was more efficient in improving each error item. Regarding forceps movement, the EA model training significantly decreased wasted motion, whereas the DB was limited in this regard. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term training on the EA model, which was more technically demanding than the DB, decreased technical error and wasted motion, and allowed learners to acquire surgical skills more efficiently than training with the DB model. These facts revealed the concurrent validity of the EA model.

Preoperative imaging contributes to pathologically complete resection of the urachal remnant by determining an appropriate surgical approach without unnecessary and excessive surgical invasion: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The urachus is an embryonic structure that connects the bladder to the allantois during early embryonic development. Occasionally, it fails to disappear at birth, leading to a case of urachal remnant (UR). This study aimed to determine whether our policy for selecting an appropriate UR resection approach is valid. We performed preoperative imaging to examine whether UR continued toward the bladder apex. If so, the UR and bladder apex were excised using the trans-umbilical approach, in addition to laparoscopy, if necessary. If preoperative imaging indicated that the UR ended near the umbilicus, the UR from the umbilicus to the duct end was resected. Pathological evaluations were performed to determine the appropriateness of the surgical approach indicated by preoperative imaging. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed pediatric patients with UR who underwent surgery between 2015 and 2021. Their background characteristics and surgical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty patients with UR were included (median age, 7 [interquartile range, 2-10.25] years). UR continued toward the bladder apex in 10 patients and ended near the umbilicus in 10 patients. Urachus tissue at the bladder site was observed when the UR and bladder apex were excised. When UR was resected from the umbilicus to the duct end, urachus tissue was not pathologically detected at the resection margin. CONCLUSION: Our policy results in complete resection without excessive surgical invasion.

Combined negative pressure wound therapy with irrigation and dwell time and artificial dermis prevents infection and promotes granulation formation in a ruptured giant omphalocele: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Omphalocele is a congenital abdominal wall defect of the umbilical cord insertion site. A giant omphalocele, with a fascial defect > 5 cm in diameter and/or containing > 50% of the liver within the hernia sac, can be challenging for pediatric surgeons. Recently, negative pressure wound therapy has been reported as an effective management for giant omphaloceles; however, it is not recommended for an infected wound with necrotic tissue as it may exacerbate infection. We adopted negative pressure wound therapy with irrigation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) for a case of a ruptured giant omphalocele. Artificial membranes, followed by artificial dermis, were used to promote fibrous capsule formation, and then NPWTi-d was used to promote granulation while controlling infection. However, studies have not been conducted regarding NPWTi-d for ruptured giant omphaloceles; hence, we present our treatment experience with NPWTi-d for a giant omphalocele. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a boy born at 38 weeks and 3 days of gestation, weighing 1896 g. He was diagnosed with a ruptured giant omphalocele with a total liver and intestine defect hole of 10 cm × 10 cm. The patient underwent silo placement using an artificial mesh, followed by plicating the artificial mesh at 4 days of age. The herniated viscera were gradually reduced into the abdominal cavity; however, the defect size was still large. Hence, a collagen-based artificial dermis was patched on the defect hole. After creating a fresh and smooth granulated tissue, NPWTi-d was applied at 33 days of age to promote granulation and control infection. We used the 3 M™ V.A.C.® Ulta Therapy Unit with 3 M™ VeraFlo™ therapy. NPWTi-d was stopped at 60 days of age when the granulation tissue was well formed including at the artificial dermis site. The wound was managed with prostandin ointment and appropriate debridement, resulting in complete epithelialization at 5 months of age. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial membranes followed by artificial dermis were used to promote a fibrous capsule and artificial dermis granulation, which protects against organ damage. NPWTi-d achieved better control of infection and promoted wound healing. NPWTi-d combined with artificial dermis can effectively treat ruptured giant omphaloceles.

Patients with gastric volvulus recurrence have high incidence of wandering spleen requiring laparoscopic gastropexy and splenopexy.

PURPOSE: Though gastric volvulus in neonates and infants resolves by conservative therapy and aging, some cases require surgical intervention. This study aimed to review the cases of gastric volvulus requiring surgical intervention and evaluate their characteristics. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed gastric volvulus cases requiring surgical intervention. Surgical indication was persistent acute gastric volvulus and repeated hospitalization for gastric volvulus. We evaluated the characteristics of those cases requiring surgical intervention and the surgical results of laparoscopic gastropexy. RESULTS: The median age of patients included was 4 years (range: 1-6 years). All eight cases of gastric volvulus requiring sugery had congenital spleen diseases. Six of the eight cases suffered from a wandering spleen, while two cases presented with situs inversus with asplenia. Both splenopexy (preperitoneal distension balloon [PDB] or blunt separaion methods) and gastropexy were performed in cases with wandering spleen. No postoperative complications were reported in any of the eight cases, except the recurrence of gastric volvulus due to suture shedding in one case. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic gastropexy for gastric volvulus and splenopexy for cases concomitant with wandering spleen were found to be effective surgical approaches. Both PDB and blunt separation methods for making extraperitoneal pockets for the spleen were employed successfully.

Laparoscopic revision of Kasai portoenterostomy after initial laparoscopic portoenterostomy in patients with biliary atresia: a limited but positive effect on native liver survival.

PURPOSE: It is important for patients with biliary atresia (BA) to retain the native liver after Kasai portoenterostomy (PE). Laparoscopic PE (Lap-PE) is standard, whereas laparoscopic revision of PE (Lap-revision) is performed as needed. We report the medium-term outcomes of Lap-revision. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the demographics and outcomes of 63 patients who underwent Lap-PE between 2013 and 2021. Indications for revision included recurrent jaundice, repeat cholangitis, and persistent jaundice with temporary biliary excretion following the initial PE. We compared liver transplantation (LT) data of patients who underwent Lap-revision with those of patients who did not. RESULTS: Lap-revision was performed in 20 patients. Of those 17 (excluding the two who were jaundice-free before the age of 1, and the one who underwent open conversion for bleeding), 11 (65%) were jaundice-free 1 year after Lap-revision. The surgical parameters of LT did not differ between patients who underwent Lap-revision and those who did not. CONCLUSION: Lap-revision for patients with BA had a limited but positive effect on native liver survival and did not adversely affect subsequent LT. Therefore, Lap-revision could be second-line standard therapy in patients with BA who have demonstrated biliary drainage at least once after initial PE.

Biochemical markers to predict the development of gastrointestinal bleeding and esophageal varices after portoenterostomy in biliary atresia.

PURPOSE: Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) due to esophageal varices (EV) is one of the factors that negatively impact native liver survival of patients with biliary atresia (BA). Gastrointestinal fibroscopy (GIF) is usually used to determine the presence of EVs; however, it requires general anesthesia. The aim of this study is to search for markers in blood tests obtained during routine check-ups that can predict the development of GIB. METHODS: Data of patients with BA who underwent portoenterostomy at our hospital from 2014 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' data were assigned to three groups according to specific time points: Group B, which included data at GIB; Group NB-T, which included data at GIF and EV treatment; and Group NB-NT, which included data at GIF without treatment. The data in Group B were compared to those of other groups. RESULTS: In our study, GIB occurred in 11 patients, and 12 cases and 8 cases were classified into Groups NB-NT and NB-T, respectively. Compared with the other groups, only ChE and M2BPGi in Group B showed statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: ChE and M2BPGi are useful for predicting GIB.

Laparoscopic Fundoplication in Patients with Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts: A Systematic Review and Our Experience.

Background: Data on the outcomes of laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) in patients with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are limited. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the demographic characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent LF at our institutions between 2014 and 2022. Then, we systematically reviewed articles in MEDILINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Results: There was no significant difference in terms of the outcomes between patients with VP shunt (n = 10) and those without (n = 96) at our institutions. None of the patients presented with shunt trouble after LF. The meta-analysis included four retrospective studies and our institutional data. In total, 605 patients (55 with VP shunt) underwent LF. Furthermore, 2 (3.6%) of 55 patients (1 with infection and 1 with occlusion) had shunt troubles. The conversion and complication rates, operative time, and length of hospital stay did not significantly differ between patients with VP shunt and those without. Conclusions: LF can be safely performed on children with VP shunts and is associated with a low risk of shunt troubles. The Clinical Trial Registration number is 2022-387.

Case Report: Retropancreatic fascia hernia protruding into the thoracic cavity through a Bochdalek hernia.

Retropancreatic fascia hernia is a novel internal hernia originating from the retropancreatic fascial defect, which subsequently expands toward the dorsal aspect of the pancreatic body and migrates into the retroperitoneal space. We encountered a rare case of concomitant retropancreatic fascia and Bochdalek hernias. Here, we describe the imaging characteristics of this hernia type and its surgical strategies.

Laparoscopic closure of Roux limb perforation during double-balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic hepatolithectomy 30 years after congenital biliary dilatation radical surgery: A case report.

We report a case of hepatolithiasis 30 years after congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) surgery. A 31-year-old woman presented with fever and epigastric pain. She had a history of radical surgery for type I CBD at the age of 1 year and had no significant symptoms for approximately 30 years after surgery. Laboratory and imaging results showed hepatolithiasis at the common trunk of segments II and III with cholangitis. She was admitted to our hospital for antibiotics and underwent double-balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (DBERC) to treat the hepatolithiasis. Roux-limb jejunum was perforated during DBERC; hence, emergent laparoscopic perforation site closure and simultaneous endoscopic lithotomy through the Roux-limb jejunum with exteriorization via umbilical incision were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged without any complications.

Retroperitoneoscopic resection of a large paraganglioma surrounded by the right diaphragmatic crus on the dorsal side of the inferior vena cava: A pediatric case report.

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare tumors. A 10 year-old girl was brought to the emergency room with complaints of sudden vomiting and convulsions, and was initially diagnosed with hypertensive encephalopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan showed a large mass (6 × 3 × 3 cm) on the dorsal side of the inferior vena cava, surrounded by the right diaphragmatic crus, and closely attached to the aorta. Blood noradrenaline, urinary normetanephrine, and noradrenaline levels were elevated. The final diagnosis was retroperitoneal paraganglioma, then, surgery was contemplated. The location of the liver and great vessels in front of the tumor made the commonly performed transabdominal approach complicated. Therefore, retroperitoneoscopic surgery was preferred for safer resection, with better visualization in a sufficient space with less risk of damaging the surrounding organs. The retroperitoneoscopic approach is a good indication for tumors located behind the great vessels.

Variations of the hepatic artery and bile duct in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction: Impact on postoperative outcomes.

PURPOSE: Preoperative comprehension of the anatomical variations of the hepatic artery and bile duct is essential for safe laparoscopic surgery for pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM). This study aimed to investigate the impact of anatomical variations of the hepatic artery and bile duct on surgical technique and postoperative complications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with PBM who underwent laparoscopic surgery at our institution between January 2014 and December 2022 to investigate anatomical variations in the hepatic artery and bile duct, surgical technique, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: We included 112 patients with PBM, with a median age of 4 years (interquartile range, 0-55). Overall, 29 of 112 patients had an aberrant right hepatic artery (ARHA) running ventral to the common hepatic duct (CHD), and they underwent hepaticojejunostomy on the ventral side of the ARHA. Additionally, eight of 112 patients had an aberrant posterior hepatic duct (APHD), which was joined to the CHD in all but one case. The presence of APHD was associated with postoperative bile leak occurrence. CONCLUSION: Performing hepaticojejunostomy ventral to the ARHA is important to prevent complications. Furthermore, APHD may be a risk factor for postoperative bile leak and requires careful bile duct plasty.

Management of Congenital and Postoperative Chylothorax: Use of Thoracoscopic Lymphatic Leak Ligations with Intraoperative ICG Lymphangiography.

BACKGROUND: Congenital chylothorax (CCT) and postoperative chylothorax (POCT) are rare and difficult to treat. We report our treatment strategy and outcomes for chylothorax, including thoracoscopic surgery with indocyanine-green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescence lymphangiography. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with CCT and POCT from 2014 to 2021 was performed. After definitive diagnosis, conservative treatments with octreotide, followed by intravenous steroids as needed, were performed. Patients who were refractory to conservative treatment were transferred to surgical treatment, consisting of thoracoscopic lymphatic leak ligations using ICG intraoperative lymphangiography. The effectiveness of conservative and surgical treatment was then examined. RESULTS: We included 19 cases of CCT and 31 cases of POCT. The 31 POCT patients included 23 of 84 postoperative patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), 7 of 54 postoperative patients with esophageal atresia (EA), and 1 of 3 postoperative patients with lymphatic malformation. The efficacy of conservative treatment was 12/19 for CCT, 22/23 for CDH, and 4/7 for EA. Surgical intervention was performed in 10 patients, and the rate of resolution of chylothorax within 3 weeks after surgery was 90%. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic lymphatic leak ligations with intraoperative ICG lymphangiography are feasible and useful in patients with chylothorax refractory to conservative treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.