Efficacy comparison of running versus interrupted suturing for thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic eventration in children

Abstract

Objective To compare the efficacies of running versus interrupted suturing for thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic eventration (CDE) in children. Methods A total of 21 CDE children were repaired under thoracoscopy from January 2010 to May 2014. According to different sutures for thoracoscopic repair, they were divided into Group 1 (running suture line) (n=12) and Group 2 (interrupted suture) (n=9). In Group 1, there were 9 boys and 7 girls with a mean age of (19.5±8.7) months and a mean weight of (12.5±4.2) kg. There were left diaphragmatic eventration (n=5) and right diaphragmatic eventration (n=7); In Group 2, there were 7 boys and 2 girls with a mean age of (23.1±9.5) months and a mean weight of (13.8±5.7) kg, There were left diaphragmatic eventration (n=3), right diaphragmatic eventration (n=3) and right diaphragmatic eventration (n=6). No statistically significant inter-group differences existed prior to operation. Results No detectable difference existed between preoperative profiles. The average operative durations were different (33±17 vs 75±21 min; P<0.01). Other variables were similar between two groups (7.5±1.5 vs 8.7±2.1 ml). The drainage time was 2/3 days and the mean postoperative hospital stay 4/5 days. The mean follow-up period was (3.2±1.5) (1.2-4.7) years. Only 1 case recurred in Group 1. Conclusions As compared with an interrupted suture, thoracoscopic repair of CDE via a running suture is safe, reliable, technically convenient and efficacious for diaphragmatic placation. Key words: Congenital eventration of diaphragm; Thoracoscopes; Comparative effectiveness research