Thoracoscopic Lobectomy for Congenital Lung Malformation in Children: Evolving Management Strategies and Their Impact in Outcomes

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of complications after thoracoscopic lobectomy in children according to a verified classification. Secondary aim was to evaluate the modifications made in our management protocol in order to decrease the rate of complications. Methods Retrospective study of pediatric patients in whom a lobectomy was performed for congenital lung malformation (CLM) in our institution between 2003 and 2021. The following data were collected: demographics, preoperative clinical symptoms, surgical technical details, and postoperative complications following the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification. Main outcome measure was the presence of complications in the first month after lung lobectomy. Results 90 lobectomies were performed in 89 patients. There were 46 girls (51.6%) and 43 boys with a median age of 12.4 months. Most patients (86.6%) remained asymptomatic until the surgical procedure. Postsurgical complications were detected in 26 cases (28.8%) and distributed into their respective category according to CD classification. In our experience, closure of the bronchial stump with interrupted suture or placement of an endoloop showed a statistically significant association with complications (p=0.022 and p=0.006 respectively). Moreover, patients in which a device combining sealing and section was used showed significantly fewer complications (p=0.006). Conclusions Thoracoscopic lobectomy continues to be a challenging procedure. The CD grading system for postoperative complications has proved to be useful in this setting. Evolving surgical strategies and new miniaturized endosurgical devices have enabled a safer and quicker procedure with a positive impact in the development of complications.