A Clinical Comparative Study of Thoracoscopic Anatomical Lesion Resection and Lobectomy in the Treatment of Congenital Lung Malformations.

BACKGROUND: To explore the safety and feasibility of HuaXi thoracoscopic anatomical lesion resection (HX-TALR) in the treatment of congenital lung malformations (CLMs) in children. METHODS: A retrospective review of clinical data was conducted for patients who underwent HX-TALR and thoracoscopic lobectomy (TL) in our hospital from October 2017 to March 2023. Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared between the HX-TALR and TL groups. RESULTS: There were 485 patients in this study, 267 of whom underwent HX-TALR and 218 of whom underwent TL. All patients underwent thoracoscopic surgery without conversion to open surgery. No patients had major complications, including bronchopleural fistula, hemorrhage, atelectasis, recurrence or reoperation. The operative time, intraoperative bleeding volume, cases with thoracic drainage tubes, postoperative hospital stay, and cases with postoperative fever in HX-TALR were greater than those in TL (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HX-TALR is safe, feasible, and retains all normal lung tissue while removing the lesion, which is expected to become the preferable operation for the treatment of CLMs. HX-TALR is a new and technically challenging procedure that needs to be carried out after training. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Percutaneous transthoracic catheter drainage prior to surgery in treating neonates with congenital macrocystic lung malformation presenting with respiratory distress.

Backgound: It is rarely seen that neonates with congenital macrocystic lung malformation (CMLM) presenting with respiratory distress require emergency intervention. No consensus has been achieved concerning the best policy facing such condition. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of our strategies in treating neonates with CMLM presenting with respiratory distress. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of six neonates with CMLM presenting with respiratory distress from April 2020 to October 2022 for whom drainage-prior-to-surgery strategy were adopted and favorable outcomes were obtained. The relevant data was reviewed and analyzed. Results: All the patients were prenatally diagnosed with congenital lung malformation and postnatally as congenital macrocystic lung malformation via CT scan. Each neonate accepted percutaneous thoracic catheter drainage prior to surgery. The first and fifth neonates with macrocystic lung mass experienced prompt open lobectomy and delayed thoracoscopic surgery due to failure of air drainage, respectively. The other four patients obtained good drainage of the large air-filled cyst, thus gaining the opportunity for elective thoracoscopic surgery within median 45 days. Conclusions: For neonates with macrocystic lung malformation presenting with respiratory distress due to mediastinal compression, percutaneous thoracic catheter drainage is worth a shot for elective thoracoscopic surgery due to its feasibility and safety.

Pulmonary function after lobectomy in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The influence of lobectomy on pulmonary function in children was still controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis were essential to explore whether pulmonary function was impaired after lobectomy in children. METHODS: PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched from 1 January 1946 to 1 July 2022. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC and total lung capacity were extracted from the studies as the primary analysis indicators. Subgroup analyses were performed between the congenital lung malformation (CLM) group and other diseases group, early surgery and late surgery group (1 year old as the dividing line). RESULTS: A total of 5302 articles were identified through the search strategy; finally, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Through the meta-analysis, we found a mild obstructive ventilatory disorder in children who underwent lobectomy. However, a normal pulmonary function could be found in young children with CLM who underwent lobectomy, and the time of operation had no significant influence on their pulmonary function. CONCLUSIONS: The overall result of pulmonary function after lobectomy in children was good. Surgeons may not need to be excessively concerned about the possibility of lung surgery affecting pulmonary function in children, particularly in patients with CLM. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022342243.

Absorbable Clips Applied in Thoracoscopic Anatomical Lung Resection in Younger Children.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a 5-mm absorbable clips applied in thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection in younger children. METHODS: Demographic data and intra- and postoperative parameters of the two groups (Abs-o-lock® group and Hem-o-lok® group) were reviewed. In the Abs-o-lock® group, 5-mm absorbable clips were used in thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection on all patients from January 2020 to March 2021. In the Hem-o-lok® group, 5-mm Hem-o-lok® clips were used from January to December 2019. The primary outcomes were the one-time success rate of ligation, major bleeding rate, intraoperative dislodgement rate and operative time, which were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were 224 patients involved in this study, of whom 103 were in the Abs-o-lock® group and 121 were in the Hem-o-lok® group. The one-time success rate of ligation was 96.5% in the Abs-o-lock® group and 98.9% in the Hem-o-lok® group (p < 0.05). No major bleeding occurred in either group. The intraoperative dislodgement rate did not significantly differ between the two groups (p = 1.0). The operative time consumed in the Abs-o-lock® group was much longer than that in the Hem-o-lok® group for subgroups of resection of extralobar sequestration (p < 0.05), lobectomy (p < 0.05) and segmentectomy (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to Hem-o-lok® clips, it is feasible and safe to apply 5-mm absorbable clips for vessel sealing during thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection in younger children.

Previous pulmonary infection impacts thoracoscopic procedure outcomes in patients with congenital lung malformations: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with congenital lung malformations (CLMs) are at high risk for developing pulmonary infection. Nonetheless, prophylactic surgical excision of asymptomatic CLMs is controversial and often delayed to symptoms occurring out of concern for potential operative risks. This study aims to evaluate the impact of previous pulmonary infection on the outcome of thoracoscopic procedures in CLMs patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of CLMs patients who received an elective operation at a tertiary care center from 2015 to 2019. Patients were divided into pulmonary infection (PI) or non-infection of pulmonary (NPI) groups according to the history of pulmonary infection. Propensity score matching was used to minimize the bias between groups. The primary outcome was conversion to thoracotomy. Postoperative outcomes were compared between patients with and without PI. RESULTS: We identified 464 patients, of whom 101 had a history of PI. Propensity score matching yielded a well-balanced cohort of 174 patients. PI was associated with higher conversion to thoracotomy (adjusted odds ratio = 8.7, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.1-71.2, p = 0.039), blood loss (p = 0.044), and longer operative time (p < 0.001), chest tube placement time (p < 0.001), length of stay (p < 0.001), and postsurgical length of stay (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Elective operation in CLMs patients with a history of PI was associated with an increased risk of conversion to thoracotomy, operative time, blood loss, chest tube placement time, length of stay, and postsurgical length of stay. Elective thoracoscopic procedures in asymptomatic CLMs patients are safe and effective, and earlier surgical intervention may be warranted.

Learning curve for total thoracoscopic segmentectomy in treating pediatric patients with congenital lung malformation.

BACKGROUND: Total thoracoscopic segmentectomy (TTS) is a technically challenging procedure in children but results in more parenchyma preservation, better pain control, better cosmetic results, and a shorter hospital stay. However, definitive data describing the learning curve of TTS has yet to be obtained. Here, we review the safety and efficiency of our initial experiences with pediatric TTS and evaluate our learning curve. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all pediatric patients undergoing TTS between December 2016 and January 2020. Pediatric patients who underwent TTS were included, while those undergoing lobectomy or wedge resection were excluded. RESULTS: One hundred and twelve patients were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the learning curve and were divided chronologically into three phases, the ascending phase (A), plateau phase (B) and descending phase (C), through cumulative summation (CUSUM) of the operative time (OT). Phases A, B, and C comprised 28, 51, and 33 cases, respectively. OT decreased significantly from phases A to B (p < 0.001) and from phase B to C (p = 0.076). No significant differences were observed in the demographic factors among the three phases. The conversion rate was zero, and the complication rate was 0.9%. Differences in technical parameters, such as length of stay and chest tube duration, were statistically insignificant between phases A and B or B and C. There were no mortalities. CONCLUSION: CUSUMOT indicates that the learning curve of at least 79 cases is required for TTS in our institute. We emphasize that the learning curve should be cautiously interpreted because many factors in different institutions may influence the exact parabola and actual learning curve.

Thoracoscopic anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy for the treatment of congenital lung malformation in children.

BACKGROUND: Lung-sparing surgery has been used to treat congenital lung malformation in children, and segmentectomy has been advocated as a lung-preservation strategy. However, thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy has gained limited popularity considering the complications, the potential for residual lesions, and the technical difficulties associated with this procedure. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of pediatric thoracoscopic anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy for the treatment of congenital lung malformations. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of 568 patients who were treated at West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from January 2014 to January 2020. The patients were divided into segmentectomy and lobectomy groups according to the surgical procedures they underwent. Clinical and follow-up outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The segmentectomy and lobectomy groups included 206 and 361 cases, respectively. The mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly higher in the segmentectomy group (6.9 mL vs. 4.5 mL; p = 0.03). The mean surgical time was also significantly longer in the segmentectomy group, (55.6 min vs. 41.5 min; p = 0.018). However, the incidence of complications did not differ significantly between the two groups (2.9% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.21). Patients in both groups did not require reoperation or show residual lesions during hospitalization and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy is a safe and feasible definitive lung-sparing treatment for specific cases of congenital lung malformation, and has a complication rate comparable to that of thoracoscopic lobectomy.

A Novel Surgical Method for Congenital Lung Malformations: A Pilot Study.

Thoracoscopic surgery for congenital lung malformations (CLMs) has been widely used. However, there are still many shortcomings in the current surgical methods, such as the removal of some normal lung tissue and residual lesions. Thoracoscopic anatomical lesion resection (TALR) may be an effective and safe method to resolve these problems. This retrospective study was conducted to estimate the safety and efficiency of TALR. A retrospective review of clinical data involving patients who underwent TALR in our hospital from October 2019 to January 2021 was performed. Clinical data, including patients' demographic characteristics, manipulative details, and postoperative complications, were extracted and analyzed. A total of 95 cases were included in this study. All cases were operated on under thoracoscope, with no conversion to open surgery. The average operation time was 63.2 ± 15.2 min (range 36-142 min). The average bleeding volume during the operation was 5.8 ± 2.1 mL (range 2-10 mL). The mean diameter of the lesion was 4.4 ± 1.9 cm (range 3-7 cm). All cases had no complications, such as bronchopleurothelial fistula, hemorrhage, atelectasis, or pulmonary infection. Two patients developed pneumothorax 1 month after the operation and were cured by closed thoracic drainage. One month after the operation, chest CT showed regular cysts in 2 cases. The other patients were followed up for over 1 year by chest CT after the operation, and all recovered well without residual lesions or recurrence. Combined with the preoperative thin slice CT and intraoperative lesion boundary, anatomical intrapulmonary dissociation based on the pulmonary vein system, TALR, as a lung-sparing surgery of completely removing the lesion and retaining all normal lung tissue, has high safety and effectiveness in the treatment of CLMs.

Ten-year experience in the clinical management of intralobar pulmonary sequestration in children.

OBJECTIVES: Intralobar pulmonary sequestration (ILS) is rare and its optimal clinical management remains ambiguous. This study aimed to introduce our 10-year experience in clinical management of ILS. And the application of our novel surgical method, thoracoscopic anatomical lesion resection (TALR) on ILS was introduced. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with ILS who received treatment between December 2010 and 2020 were included in this study, retrospectively. A binary logistic regression model was used to assess risk factors for preoperative symptoms. Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared between the thoracoscopic lobectomy and lung-sparing surgery groups. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients were included in this study. Age and maximum cyst diameter were risk factors for preoperative symptoms. Lung-sparing surgery proved to be safe and feasible with no residual lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The overall prognosis of early thoracoscopic surgery for ILS was good. Lung-sparing surgery, especially TALR could be used as a first-line surgery for ILS. It may resolve the long-standing controversy over whether surgery for asymptomatic patients with ILS.

Thoracoscopic Clockwise Lobectomy May Be a Stylized Procedure for Treating Children with Congenital Lung Malformations.

Background: Thoracoscopic lobectomy is a challenging procedure in children with congenital lung malformations (CLMs). This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic clockwise lobectomy (TCL) in CLMs in children and its potential to be a stylized procedure. Methods: All patients with CLMs who received TCL from 2015 to 2019 in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical information was extracted from medical records, including patient demographics, operative details, and outcomes. Results: A total of 184 patients with a median age of 6.8 months (range, 3-156) and a median weight of 9 kg (range, 6-45) received TCL. Lesions were all located in the lower lobe and included congenital pulmonary airway malformation (n = 133), intralobar sequestration (n = 44), bronchiectasis (n = 4), and congenital lobar emphysema (n = 3). The mean (±standard deviation [SD]) operating time was 46 ± 7.5 minutes (range, 35-113). The mean (±SD) blood loss was 3.5 ± 0.8 mL (range, 1-60). Three patients converted to thoracotomy, and 162 patients did not have a chest tube placed. The postoperative course was uneventful in all patients except 2 patients who developed air leaks and 23 patients who developed a mild fever. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 2 days. A total of 163 patients were followed up for more than 1 year without any complications. Conclusion: TCL is suitable for lower lobectomy and is safe and effective in standard and complicated thoracoscopic lobectomy. It could be recommended as a stylized procedure in treating children with CLMs.

Efficacy and determinants of vacuum bell treatment in preschool children with pectus excavatum.

Objective: The outcome of vacuum bell (VB) treatment for preschool patients with pectus excavatum (PE) is poorly understood. We aim to investigate the short-term treatment effect of VB with a three-dimensional scanner and assess the clinical and demographic factors that might influence treatment outcomes. Methods: We conducted a chart review study to review the records of preschool patients with PE who received VB treatment in a tertiary hospital from January 1, 2021, through January 1, 2022. Demographic data and chest wall deformity assessments were recorded at follow-up, including the anterior chest wall depths and depth ratio (DR). The demographic and clinical factors influencing treatment outcomes were tested using a logistic regression model. Results: 139 patients who accepted vacuum bell treatment were included in the final study analysis, with a mean age of 4.6 years and a BMI of 14.9. Forty-three patients (30.9%) with a depth of less than 3 mm met the termination criteria and showed cosmetic results. The changes in depths (P < 0.001) and DR (P < 0.001) were statistically significant in 55 patients with three or four follow-ups. Multifactor logistic regression analysis showed that initial depth (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.58-0.84, P < 0.001) and treatment period (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.23-2.04, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of achieving complete correction. Conclusion: VB is an effective treatment modality in preschool patients in the short-term follow-up, which is influenced by the depth of depression and the duration of treatment. However, further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

Diagnostic value of congenital pulmonary airway malformation volume ratio for fetal hydrops due to congenital lung malformations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Meta-analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of a CVR cut-off value of 1.6 for fetal hydrops due to congenital lung malformation (CLM). METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang published before 7/30/2021 for the value of a congenital pulmonary airway malformation volume ratio (CVR) cut-off value of 1.6 for the diagnosis of fetal hydrops. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the literature that met the requirements were obtained. A total of 75 articles were retrieved, and 12 articles were included for further analysis. The quality of these studies was evaluated according to the Quality Assessment for Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy tool (QUADAS-2) criteria. The Q test and heterogeneity I2 were used to evaluate the heterogeneity due to non-threshold effects, and Stata 15.0 was used for statistical analysis to evaluate the diagnostic value of the CVR cutoff value of 1.6 for fetal hydrops due to CLM. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies were included. The QUADAS-2 indicated that the risk of bias was relatively low, and the clinical applicability was relatively high. Statistical analysis was performed on included studies using a random effect model. Meta-analysis showed that the pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic ratio and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) for the diagnosis of fetal hydrops by CVR were 0.86 (95% CI, 0.72-0.93; I2 = 59.84), 0.90 (95% CI, 0.88-0.93; I2 = 31.94), 58 (95% CI, 22-149; I2 = 100%), 0.93 (95% CI, 0.91-0.95). CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity and specificity of CVR cut-off value 1.6 for the diagnosis of CLM-induced fetal hydrops were high, no publication bias was observed, and the CVR cut-off value 1.6 is meaningful for the early diagnosis prediction of CLM-induced fetal hydrops.

Hidden Infection in Asymptomatic Congenital Lung Malformations-A Decade Retrospective Study.

Background: Whether to operate on asymptomatic patients with congenital lung malformations (CLMs) remains controversial. Our study intended to find out the proportion of hidden infection in CLMs and its effect on surgery, to provide help for the management of asymptomatic CLMs patients. Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records of patients with asymptomatic CLMs from January 2011 to December 2020 was performed in our center. Selected asymptomatic patients were divided into a non-hidden infection group (NHI) and a hidden infection group (HI). Results: A total of 581 asymptomatic CLMs patients were included in this study. Thirty-two percent of asymptomatic CLMs patients had hidden infection in the lesion. Among various CLMs diseases, intralobular pulmonary sequestration had the highest percentage of hidden infection (48.8%). With age, the proportion of HI gradually increased. Patients in the HI and NHI groups were 223 and 121. The incidence of pleural adhesion and focal abscess in the HI group were 14.9 and 7.4%. Statistical significances were shown between the two groups in intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.002), operation time (p = 0.045), chest tube drainage time (p < 0.001), postoperative hospital stay (p < 0.001), and air leak (p = 0.012). Conclusion: The proportion of HI detected by postoperative pathological results was high and they could increase the difficulty and risk of surgery. Therefore, early surgery may be a more appropriate choice for the management of asymptomatic CLMs patients.

Thoracoscopic lobectomy through the pulmonary hilum approach for the treatment of congenital lung malformation.

BACKGROUND: Thoracoscopic lobectomy is widely accepted for the treatment of congenital lung malformations (CLM), owing to its advantages. However, severe incomplete interlobar fissure may lead to a high rate of conversion to thoracotomy and postoperational complications. Thoracoscopic lobectomy utilizing the pulmonary hilum approach may be an effective and safe method to resolve these problems. This retrospective study was conducted to estimate the safety and efficiency of this approach. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was performed in our institution, from January 2014 to December 2019, and 432 patients with CLM who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy through the pulmonary hilum approach were included in this study. Patients were divided into the incomplete fissure (IF) group and complete fissure (CF) group according to the level of fissure, which was proposed by an anatomical classification of pulmonary fissures. RESULTS: Patients in the IF and CF groups were 131 and 301, respectively. In univariate analysis, there were statistical significances between the two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.04), surgical time (P = 0.01), the number of chest tube drainages (P < 0.01), and the total length of hospital stay (P = 0.03). However, no patients experienced bronchopleural fistula, postoperative pneumonia, or conversion to thoracotomy in either group. Five patients experienced prolonged air leakage in the IF group, and no prolonged air leakage occurred in the CF group. CONCLUSION: An IF would certainly increase the difficulty of CLM surgery, and thoracoscopic lobectomy using the pulmonary hilum approach is an effective and safe method for CLM patients.

Learning curve for total thoracoscopic lobectomy for treating pediatric patients with congenital lung malformation.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric thoracoscopic lobectomy is a technically challenging procedure that may result in better pain control, better cosmetic results, and shorter hospital stay. However, data describing the learning curve of total thoracoscopic lobectomy (TTL) have yet to be obtained. To evaluate our learning curve for TTL in children, we reviewed the safety and efficiency of our initial experiences with TTL in pediatric patients with congenital lung malformation. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all pediatric patients undergoing TTL between March 2011 and January 2017. Cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis of operative time (OT) was used. RESULTS: One hundred patients were retrospectively analyzed and chronologically divided into three phases: the ascending (A), plateau (B), and descending (C) phases of CUSUM of OT. Phases A, B, and C comprised 35, 22, and 43 cases, respectively. OT decreased significantly from phases A to B (P = 0.035) and B to C (P = 0.019). Age and weight of patients both reduced significantly from phase A to B (p = 0.017 and p = 0.012, respectively), while the two measures did not vary from phase B to C (p = 0.987 and p = 0.874, respectively). Chest tube duration and length of hospital stay had similar trend. All complications occurred in five cases in phase A (5/35). Six cases were converted to open surgery (6%). Four conversions occurred within phase A and two in phase C (4/35 vs 2/43, p = 0.490). There were no mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated standardized training plays a role in overcoming the learning curve for thoracoscopic lobectomy in children, and CUSUMOT indicates that a learning curve of approximately 57 cases is required in our institute.

The clinical management of extralobar pulmonary sequestration in children.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of extralobar pulmonary sequestration (ELS) remains divergent. This study aims to demonstrate the characters of ELS in children for optimal clinical management in the future. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted for ELS patients' treatment in our center from January 2013 to April 2020. RESULTS: In total, 85 patients were included, containing 70 upper-diaphragmatic, 7 intra-diaphragmatic, and 8 infra-diaphragmatic ELS. Eight patients' pathology results showing inflammation without symptoms preoperation and two patients had chest pain for torsion. All the upper-diaphragmatic and intra-diaphragmatic ELS patients accepted thoracoscopic surgery resection. The intraoperative operation time and blood loss volume of intra-diaphragmatic ELS were significantly more than that of the upper-diaphragmatic (40.14 ± 9.92 vs. 23.07 ± 6.79 min; 9.29 ± 3.45 vs. 3.18 ± 4.94 ml; all p < .05). No chest tubes were inserted in both subgroups. No complications were found in the postoperative follow-up of operative ELS patients at least 3 months. A total of eight infra-diaphragmatic ELS patients except for one (7/8) had conservative therapy and follow-up by the outpatient clinic or phone call eventually. There were no symptoms occurring and no size increasing of observation infra-diaphragmatic ELS. CONCLUSIONS: The ELS has the potential risk of infection and torsion in this study. Thoracoscopic surgery might be optimal management of upper-diaphragmatic ELS for its minimal invasion and low perioperative risks, which could be developed into a day operation with safe and quick recovery. The intra-diaphragmatic and infra-diaphragmatic ELS need a larger sample size and multiple center data to get a better management approach.

[Retrospective Analysis on the Safety and Feasibility of Thoracoscopic Anatomical Segmentectomy in the Treatment of Congenital Lung Malformations].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and feasibility of thoracoscopic anatomical pulmonary segmentectomy in children with congenital lung malformations. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted to analyze clinical data of children thoracoscopic anatomical pulmonary segmentectomy performed in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from Jan. 2014 to Sept. 2018. RESULTS: A total of 151 cases were recorded, including 73 males and 78 females. The average age was 9.8 months, ranging from 5 months to 13.3 years. All the patients underwent thoracoscopic surgery without conversion to open. The average operation time was 66 min, the average amount of bleeding was 5.9 mL and the average size was 4.8 cm. Two children had air leakage after the operation, but recovered after one-week tube drainage and conservative observation therapy. 56 children had postoperative fever in varying degrees, which gradually recovered 2-3 d after operation. No postoperative complications occurred such as bronchial fistula, hemorrhage, atelectasis and pulmonary infection. Postoperative pathological results showed that there were 108 cases of congenital pulmonary airway malformation and 43 cases of intralobar pulmonary sequestration. The median follow-up time was chest computed tomography of follow-up showed that all patients recovered well without recurrence. CONCLUSION: On the basis of thoracoscopic meticulous anatomy of lung lobes, Thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy in children is safe and feasible as a lung sparing resection.

A chest tube may not necessary in children thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Drainage of the thorax postoperatively using chest tubes is a standard procedure in thoracic surgery. However, chest tubes can induce pain and immobilization, increase risk of infection, deteriorate the ventilation capacity, and increase difficulty of postoperative management, particularly in children. This study aimed to investigate the safety and effect of excluding chest tubes after performing thoracoscopic lobectomy in selected children.A retrospective review of medical records was performed in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2014 to June 2018. Patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy without chest tubes were recorded. Patients with accompanying severe pulmonary infection, extensive thoracic adhesions, or undeveloped interlobar fissure were excluded.In total, 246 patients underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy without a chest tube, and none required chest drain insertion or reintervention during hospitalization and follow-up at 90 days postoperatively. Among them, 2 (0.81%) patients developed a delayed pneumothorax which was found after being discharged, and resolved spontaneously in 2 weeks. No hemothorax, atelectasis, and bronchial fistula were found. Furthermore, 202 (82.1%) patients developed subcutaneous emphysema, which was asymptomatic and spontaneously resolved within 3 to 7 days. The length of postoperative hospital stay was 2 days; patients were discharged in the 3rd day postoperatively. Patients could recover to free mobilization and resume regular diet at 6 hours postoperatively. All patients were followed up for at least 3 months; no other complications were found, and all patients recovered well.This study showed that chest tube placement in selected patients may be unnecessary in children undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy. The minimally invasive procedure and meticulous resection have been the preconditions of this procedure, which may contribute to a rapid recovery and can avoid the chest tube-related complications effectively.