Thoracoscopy and Solid Tumors in Children: A Multicenter Study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thoracoscopy in the treatment of solid thoracic tumors in children. Methods: A retrospective, multicenter review of 139 thoracoscopies was performed. The procedures were either resection of pulmonary lesions or biopsy. Complications, histologic biopsy results, and outcomes were reviewed. Results: One hundred thirty-nine procedures were performed in 134 children. There were 72 males and 62 females, with a mean age of 9.2 years (3 months to 17 years). The mean follow-up was 4.5 years. Thirty-eight primitive tumors were managed, 20 of which had a complete thorascopic resection, and nine biopsies were performed. In 9 additional cases, an open conversion was necessary. Among the 20 complete resections, 17 of the lesions were neurogenic tumors (i.e., neuroblastoma or ganglioneuroma). Three complications occurred: 2 chylothoraces and 1 with Horner syndrome. All three complications regressed. The mean follow-up was 3 years, and no recurrenc...