Pediatric Thoracic Surgery Research Articles

Morbidity related to major lung thoracoscopic resections in children.

In pediatric thoracic surgery, reported predictors for increased risk are symptoms and active/previous infections (RAP). We investigated the adverse events related to Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) in pediatric patients when considering RAP predictors. A retrospective analysis of pediatric VATS major lung resections in 2008-2021 was conducted at three institutions. We employed the pediatric surgical risk calculator to define patients' preoperative predicted risk (PredR). Postoperative complications were classified according to the Thoracic Morbidity & Mortality (TM&M) system. The observed TM&M rate (ObsR) and the PredR were compared. A subgroup analysis by RAP predictors was conducted. 37 patients (54% female) were included. Mean age and weight were 5.8 years and 22.8 kg. 56.7% had respiratory symptoms, 38.9% active infection and 59.5% history of infections (RAP subpopulations). VATS procedures were lobectomy (n=32), segmentectomy (n=3), bilobectomy (n=1) and pneumonectomy (n=1). The conversion rate was 5.4%. The mean PredR was of 4.43% (±1.8) and the overall ObsR was 45.94% with a median severity of II (I-III). This difference was significant and a higher PredR was not associated with complications development. PredR does not show association among the RAP vs non-RAP group. ObsR showed positive association with RAP, even if it reached statistical significance only for "respiratory symptoms" risk factor. ObsR reflected the number of bronchiectasis patients in our series (n=9), aligning with the hypothesis of "earlier and safer surgery". The risk calculator underestimates VATS morbidity. Multicentre studies will clarify the correlation between inflammation and surgical adverse events.

Effects of Dexmedetomidine in Improving Oxygenation and Reducing Pulmonary Shunt in High-Risk Pediatric Patients Undergoing One-Lung Ventilation for Thoracic Surgery: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and objectives Pediatric thoracic surgery has unique considerations due to the immaturity of the respiratory system anatomically and physiologically, which presents technical and pharmacological considerations, including the very common technique of one-lung ventilation (OLV), which causes serious complications in children. Therefore, we investigated the effects of dexmedetomidine on oxygenation and pulmonary shunt fraction (Qs/Qt) in high-risk pediatric patients undergoing OLV for thoracic surgery. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate dexmedetomidine's effect on the partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) and pulmonary shunt fraction (Qs/Qt). Methods A total of 63 children underwent thoracic surgery with OLV and were divided into two groups. The dexmedetomidine group (group Dex, n = 32) received dexmedetomidine (0.4 μg/kg/hour), and the placebo group (group placebo, n = 31) received normal saline. Two arterial and central venous blood samples were taken for arterial and venous blood gas analysis at four time points: T1 (10 minutes after mechanical ventilation of total lung ventilation), T2 (10 minutes after OLV), T3 (60 minutes after OLV), and T4 (20 minutes after the end of OLV). At these intervals, the following parameters were measured: PaO2, Qs/Qt, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP). Results The two groups had no significant differences in FEV1/FVC and baseline pulmonary shunt fraction (Qs/Qt). Dexmedetomidine significantly improved PaO2 compared with placebo during OLV (T2 and T3). There was a significant decrease in Qs/Qt compared with placebo during OLV (T2, T3, and T4). There was a decrease in PIP compared with placebo during OLV (T2 and T3). No statistically significant differences in MAP or HR were observed between the groups. Conclusion Infusion of dexmedetomidine during OLV in high-risk pediatric thoracic surgery reduces shunt and pulmonary shunt fraction Qs/Qt, improves PaO2 and body oxygenation, reduces PIP and pressure load, and maintains hemodynamic stability (MAP, HR).

Epinephrine Alleviates Intraoperative Hypoxemia in an Infant with Bronchogenic Cyst: A Case Report

An 11-month-old male infant was diagnosed with bronchogenic cysts and required a right lung cystectomy. The surgical approach involved one-lung ventilation (OLV) using lung isolation techniques. During the procedure, oxygenation could not be adequately maintained using conventional methods. Ultimately, a successful outcome was achieved by administering low-dose epinephrine via a microinjection pump. This case report discusses the methods for achieving OLV during thoracic surgery in infants and the feasibility of using small doses of epinephrine during OLV in pediatric thoracic surgery when encountering intraoperative hypoxia.

The impact of undergoing elective pediatric lung resection during respiratory syncytial virus peak season on patient outcomes: A nationwide retrospective analysis.

Observational data to support delaying elective pediatric thoracic surgery during peak respiratory viral illness season is lacking. This study evaluated whether lung surgery during peak viral season is associated with differences in postoperative outcomes and resource utilization. A retrospective observational cohort study was performed using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS). Patients with a congenital lung malformation (CLM) who underwent elective lung resection between 1 January 2016 and 29 February 2020 were included. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) incidence was used as a proxy for respiratory viral illness circulation. Monthly hospital-specific RSV incidence was calculated from PHIS data, and peak RSV season was defined by Centers for Disease Control data. Multivariable regression models were built to identify predictors of postoperative mechanical ventilation, which was the main outcome measure, as well as secondary outcomes including 30-day readmission after lung resection, postoperative length of stay (LOS) and hospital billing charges. Of 1542 CLM patients identified, 344 (22.3%) underwent lung resection during peak RSV season. 38% fewer operations were performed per month during peak RSV season than during off-peak months (p < .001). Children who underwent surgery during peak RSV season did not differ from the off-peak group in terms of age at operation, race, or comorbid conditions (i.e., congenital heart disease, newborn respiratory distress, and preoperative pneumonia). There was no association between hospital-specific RSV incidence at the time of surgery and postoperative mechanical ventilation, postoperative LOS, 30-day readmission rate or hospital billing charges. Performing elective lung surgery in children with CLMs during peak viral season is not associated with adverse surgical outcomes or increased utilization of healthcare resources.

Intercostal Nerve Cryoablation for Postoperative Pain Control in Pediatric Thoracic Surgery: A Scoping Review.

Background: Cryoanalgesia uses the application of cold temperatures to temporarily disrupt peripheral sensory nerve function for pain control. This review outlines the principles of cryoablation, clinical applications, and clinical data for its use in pediatric thoracic surgery. Methods: A comprehensive PubMed search was performed using the principal terms and combinations of cryoablation, cryoanalgesia, Nuss, Nuss repair, pectus, pectus excavatum, thoracic surgery, thoracotomy, and chest wall. Pediatric articles were reviewed and included if relevant. Adult articles were reviewed for supporting information as needed. Reference lists of included articles were reviewed for possible additional sources. Discussion: The scientific and clinical principles of cryoablation are outlined, followed by a focused review of current clinical application and outcome data. Conclusion: Postoperative pain is a major challenge following thoracic surgery. Cryoanalgesia is emerging as an adjunct in pediatric thoracic surgery, particularly for the Nuss procedure or minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum. It effectively controls pain, decreasing postoperative opioid use and hospital length of stay with few short-term complications. Although more long-term studies are needed, early evidence suggests there is reliable return of sensation to the chest wall and long-term neuropathic pain is rare.

Application of laryngeal mask airway anesthesia with preserved spontaneous breathing in children undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery.

To investigate the feasibility and safety of non-intubated general anesthesia with spontaneous breathing combined with paravertebral nerve blocks (PVNB) in young children undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and to determine its significance for rapid recovery after pediatric thoracic surgery. The data of 46 children aged 6-36 months with an American Society of Anesthesiologists status of I-II who underwent elective VATS under general anesthesia were retrospectively analyzed. Of these patients, 25 underwent non-intubated general anesthesia with spontaneous breathing combined with PVNB (non-intubation group), and 21 received conventional intubated general anesthesia combined with local infiltration anesthesia (intubation group). The following perioperative parameters were compared between the two groups: heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure, saturation of pulse oximetry (SpO2), partial pressure end-tidal carbon dioxide, time from the completion of the operation to extubation or removing laryngeal masks, time to first feeding after the operation, length of postoperative in-hospital stay, incidence of postoperative complications, and hospitalization expenses. The operations were completed successfully in both groups. When the non-intubation group was compared with the intubation group, the minimal SpO2 level during the surgery was higher (93% vs. 88%, P < 0.001), which might indicate better oxygenation. There was no significant difference of the duration of surgery and intraoperative blood loss between two groups. Compared to the intubation group, the duration of anesthesia (P = 0.027), time from the completion of the operation to extubation (P < 0.001), time to the first feeding after surgery (P < 0.001), and length of postoperative in-hospital stay (P < 0.001) were significantly reduced in the non-intubation group. The incidence of postoperative complications was not significantly different. Non-intubated general anesthesia with spontaneous breathing combined with PVNB is safe and feasible in young children undergoing VATS and can promote rapid recovery in young children undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.

Anesthetic Management in Pediatric Thoracic Surgery

Pediatric thoracic anesthesia is a challenging task. Specific implications arise from the patients' developmental stage, the disease and the intervention. An interdisciplinary management plan includes relevant factors. The main aspects are airway management, analgesic techniques and cardiorespiratory therapeutic strategies adapted to the underlying pathophysiology. Every step should be designed to provide optimal care. This article provides insight to specific airway, respiratory and regional anesthesia management in pediatric patients.

Thoracic surgery in Slovenia.

Slovenia is a small country in the Southeastern part of Europe with a Gross Domestic Product slightly below the European average. There are eleven board-certified thoracic surgeons and four residents, dealing with roughly 2,500 thoracic cases per year. Thoracic Surgery in Slovenia is a challenging surgical specialty covering a wide range of problems such as lung cancer and other thoracic cancers, diseases of the esophagus, airway surgery, interventional endoscopy, pediatric thoracic surgery, lung transplantation, and even some nonthoracic problems such as surgery of the thyroid and parathyroid. Slovenian patients certainly enjoy the privilege of having free access to almost everything contemporary thoracic surgery can offer, including the most complex and least invasive procedures. In 2008 Slovenia was the first country in South-eastern Europe to adopt video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) to treat lung cancer and other malignant diseases. It has also played an essential role in spreading the technique to neighboring countries. Slovenia also has a very successful lung transplantation program. On the other hand, most of the infrastructure is outdated, with both university hospitals built in the 1970s unable to provide a very comfortable hospital stay or increase their operating room capacities to meet the increased demand, thus waiting times for procedures of lesser priority, such as laparoscopic fundoplication and thyroidectomy became unacceptably long.

Peri-Operative Prophylaxis in Patients of Neonatal and Pediatric Age Subjected to Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery: A RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method Consensus Study.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent a potential complication of surgical procedures, with a significant impact on mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery and thoracic surgery are often considered patients at high risk of developing SSIs. This consensus document aims to provide information on the management of peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis for the pediatric and neonatal population undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac thoracic surgery. The following scenarios were considered: (1) cardiac surgery for the correction of congenital heart disease and/or valve surgery; (2) cardiac catheterization without the placement of prosthetic material; (3) cardiac catheterization with the placement of prosthetic material; (4) implantable cardiac defibrillator or epicardial pacemaker placement; (5) patients undergoing ExtraCorporal Membrane Oxygenation; (6) cardiac tumors and heart transplantation; (7) non-cardiac thoracic surgery with thoracotomy; (8) non-cardiac thoracic surgery using video-assisted thoracoscopy; (9) elective chest drain placement in the pediatric patient; (10) elective chest drain placement in the newborn; (11) thoracic drain placement in the trauma setting. This consensus provides clear and shared indications, representing the most complete and up-to-date collection of practice recommendations in pediatric cardiac and thoracic surgery, in order to guide physicians in the management of the patient, standardizing approaches and avoiding the abuse and misuse of antibiotics.

Jan Janowicz – A pioneer of surgery in Olsztyn

IntroductionJan Janowicz was born in 1893 in Giełuta. After arriving in Olsztyn in 1945, he began the process of establishing a surgical department in Olsztyn. In a short time, he set up hospital wards and outpatient clinics, which provided surgical care to the inhabitants of Olsztyn and Olsztyn voivodeship. Due to the lack of specialist staff, he was simultaneously the head of department at three hospitals in Olsztyn. On his initiative and under his supervision, independent departments of orthopedics, pediatric surgery, urology, and thoracic surgery were established. Jan Janowicz, as a pioneer in Olsztyn’s surgery and the founder of new departments, became the most important and most distinguished surgeon in the post-war history of medicine of Warmia and Mazury.AimThe aim of the study is to present the biography of Jan Janowicz, the pioneer and most distinguished surgeon of Olsztyn and the Warmian-Masurian voivodeship.Material and methodsThe study is based on the available literature as well as the authors’ own research.Results and discussionWe present a biography of Jan Janowicz, a pioneer of Olsztyn’s medicine.ConclusionsDoctor Janowicz, who came to Olsztyn in 1945, was a pioneer and the first person to organize surgical care in what is now the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. His activities led to the establishment of independent departments of pediatric surgery, orthopedics, urology, and thoracic surgery.

Surgical techniques of video-assisted thoracic surgery for congenital pulmonary airway malformation in a 1-year-3-month-old (8.6 kg) infant

: We herein report a 1-year-3-month-old boy (8.6 kg) with asymptomatic congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM). The patient had been prenatally diagnosed with CPAM. Since his neonatal condition was stable, surgery was electively planned once he reached 1 year of age. Preoperative chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a multiseptated air-filled cystic lesions in the left lower lobe. Complete video-assisted thoracic surgery (C-VATS) with left lower lobectomy was performed (operation time: 182 min, blood loss: 10 mL). The patient was discharged on postoperative day 7 with no complications. The pathological examination revealed a type 2 CPAM (Stocker’s classification). Although we believe VATS lobectomy for CPAM in infants is feasible, there are some specific hints and pitfalls to be aware of when performing pediatric thoracic surgery: (I) study and improve upon the ligation technique of vessels and bronchus, (II) be aware of the anatomical location of vessels and bronchus, and (III) adjust the position of the bronchial blocker for differential ventilation. When the condition of patients is stable without any symptoms or infection, we recommend that they undergo surgery after the age of one to ensure appropriate growth. In addition, we propose that C-VATS lobectomy may be feasible if patients are older than 18 months old or weigh more than 10 kg from the perspective of vessel/bronchial dissection technique and differential ventilation during anesthesia.

Comparative Effectiveness of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring Techniques in Pediatric Surgery.

The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is at risk during pediatric cervical, thoracic, and cardiac surgery. We aim to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of RLN monitoring techniques in all pediatric patients. Retrospective case series. Retrospective review of patients/procedures with RLN(s) at risk and RLN monitoring at Boston Children's Hospital July 2019-October 2020. pre/postoperative vocal fold mobility by awake flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FFL). One hundred one patients (median [interquartile range, IQR] age 14.6 months [4.6-49.7 months], weight 10 kg [5.2-16.2 kg]) underwent 122 procedures with RLN(s) at risk. RLN monitoring attempted 111 cases, successful 96 (84%). Surgical indications: esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula, and tracheobronchomalacia. Sixty-two (56%) procedures in reoperative field. Median follow-up 112 days (IQR 41-230). Pre/postoperative FFL performed 84 procedures (69%), 19 new postoperative RLN injuries (16%), median age 12 months, reoperative fields 11 (18%). Prass probes: 34 cases (28 successful, 82%), 6 injuries (18%), age 12.2 (5.8-23.6) months. Dragonfly electrodes: 45 cases (37 successful, 82%), 8 injuries (18%), age 7.5 (3.8-19) months. Nerve integrity monitoring (NIM) integrated electrode endotracheal tube: 33 cases (33 successful, 100%), 5 injuries (15%), age 90 (58.8-136.7) months. Automatic periodic stimulation (APS): 16 cases, 13 successful (81%), four injuries (25%), age 7.2 (5.3-20.6) months. NIM RLN monitoring is significantly more successful than Prass, Dragonfly (95%CI -0.3 to 0.02, P=.02; and 95%CI 0.05-0.31, P=.008). Rates of injury are not different between types of RLN monitoring (P=.94), with APS use (P=.47), or with monitoring success (95%CI -0.36 to 0.09, P=.28). RLN monitoring is feasible in pediatric patients of all ages. Although NIM type RLN monitoring success is superior, all forms offer similar rates of nerve protection. 3 Laryngoscope, 132:889-894, 2022.

The feasibility and safety of same-day surgery for diaphragmatic eventration by minithoracotomy in children.

The diaphragmatic plication procedure by thoracoscopy has gradually become standard treatment for diaphragmatic eventration (DE). However, thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication is difficult to manipulate and the surgical learning curve is long. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of same-day surgery for DE by minithoracotomy in children. From December 2017 to December 2019, we included 22 patients who underwent diaphragmatic plication of DE in the Department of Pediatric Thoracic Surgery at the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center. A total of 10 patients underwent diaphragmatic plication by minithoracotomy and 12 patients underwent thoracoscopic plication. The perioperative condition and postoperative follow-up were evaluated, respectively. The age, sex, and weight were no different in the minithoracotomy group versus the thoracoscopy group (P > 0.05). The intraoperative time, blood loss volume, and postoperative hospital stay of the minithoracotomy group were significantly less than that of the thoracoscopy group (31.10 ± 4.70min vs. 72.08 ± 22.8min; 1.20 ± 0.42ml vs. 2.58 ± 1.67ml; and 1.00 ± 0.00days vs. 6.00 ± 2.95days, respectively, all P < 0.05). The eventration levels in these two groups were significantly different in the perioperative and postoperative periods as detected by chest X-ray. No chest tubes were inserted and no recurrence of DE occurred in the thoracoscopy group through the postoperative follow-up of at least 6months. Same-day surgery by minithoracotomy as a treatment for DE was feasible and safe with less operative time, less blood loss, and low recurrence. Same-day surgery for DE was attributed to a quick recovery. More prospective studies are necessary to further explore the consequences of same-day surgery for DE by minithoracotomy.

Utility of Fetal Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance for Prenatal Diagnosis of Complex Congenital Heart Defects

Prenatal diagnosis of complex congenital heart defects reduces mortality and morbidity in affected infants. However, fetal echocardiography can be limited by poor acoustic windows, and there is a need for improved diagnostic methods. To assess the clinical utility of fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in cases in which fetal echocardiography could not visualize all relevant anatomy. This cohort study was conducted between January 20, 2017, and June 29, 2020, at Skåne University Hospital (Lund, Sweden), a tertiary center for pediatric cardiology and thoracic surgery. Participants were fetuses referred for fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance examination by a pediatric cardiologist after an inconclusive echocardiograph. Fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance examination requested by the patient's pediatric cardiologist. Any change in patient management because of diagnostic information gained from fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 31 fetuses underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance examination at a median gestational age of 36 weeks (range, 31-39 weeks). Overall, fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging had clinical utility, affecting patient management and/or parental counseling in 26 cases (84%). For aortic arch anatomy including signs of coarctation (20 fetuses), fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging added diagnostic information in 16 cases (80%). For assessment of univentricular vs biventricular outcome in borderline left ventricle, unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect, and pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (15 fetuses), fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging visualized intracardiac anatomy and ventricular function, allowing assessment of outcome in 13 cases (87%). In 4 fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging helped delivery planning in 3 cases (75%). Finally, fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging provided valuable information for parental counseling in 21 cases (68%). In this cohort study, fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging added clinically useful information to what was available from echocardiography. These findings suggest that fetal CMR has the potential to affect clinical decision-making in challenging cases of congenital heart defects with inconclusive data from echocardiography. Fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging showed an association with clinical decision-making, including mode of delivery and early postnatal care, as well as with parental counseling.

Robotic infant surgery with 3\xa0mm instruments: a study in piglets of less than 10\xa0kg body weight

No data exist concerning the appication of a new robotic system with 3 mm instruments (Senhance®, Transenterix) in infants and small children. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the system for its feasibility, performance and safety of robotic pediatric abdominal and thoracic surgery in piglets simulating infants with a body weight lower than 10 kg. 34 procedures (from explorative laparoscopy to thoracoscopic esophageal repair) were performed in 12 piglets with a median age of 23 (interquartile range: 12–28) days and a median body weight of 6.9 (6.1–7.3) kg. The Senhance® robotic system was used with 3 mm instruments, a 10 mm 3D 0° or 30° videoscope and advanced energy devices, the setup consisted of the master console and three separate arms. The amount, size, and position of the applied ports, their distance as well as the distance between the three operator arms of the robot, external and internal collisions, and complications of the procedures were recorded and analyzed. We were able to perform all planned surgical procedures with 3 mm robotic instruments in piglets with a median body weight of less than 7 kg. We encountered two non-robot associated complications (bleeding from the inferior caval and hepatic vein) which led to termination of the live procedures. Technical limitations were the reaction time and speed of robotic camera movement with eye tracking, the excessive bending of the 3 mm instruments and intermittent need of re-calibration of the fulcrum point. Robotic newborn and infant surgery appears technically feasible with the Senhance® system. Software adjustments for camera movement and sensitivity of the fulcrum point calibration algorithm to adjust for the increased compliance of the abdominal wall of infants, therefore reducing the bending of the instruments, need to be implemented by the manufacturer as a result of our study. To further evaluate the Senhance® system, prospective trials comparing it to open, laparoscopic and other robotic systems are needed.

Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring During Pediatric Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery: A Mini Review.

Objective: Review techniques for intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) monitoring during pediatric surgery for esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, tracheobronchomalacia, and cardiac surgery.Summary Background Data: Literature was reviewed for reports of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring in cervical, thoracic, and cardiac surgical procedures which place the RLNs at risk for injury.Methods: Review paper.Results: The RLN is at risk during pediatric surgery for esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, tracheobronchomalacia, and cardiac surgery. Intraoperative nerve monitoring has decreased rates of RLN injury in thyroid surgery. Intraoperative RLN monitoring techniques appropriate for pediatric surgery are discussed, including endotracheal tubes with integrated surface electrodes, adhesive surface electrodes for smaller endotracheal tubes, endolaryngeal electrodes, and automatic periodic continuous intra-operative stimulation.Conclusions: Multiple techniques exist to monitor the RLN in children undergoing cervical, cardiac, and thoracic surgery. Monitoring the RLN during procedures that place the RLNs at risk may help decrease the rate of RLN injury.

Результати діяльності центру дитячої фтизіохірургії Державної установи «Національний інститут фтизіатрії і пульмонології імені Ф.Г. Яновського НАМН України»

Pediatric surgeons often to have different indications for the diagnosis and treatment of pathology of the thoracic cavity. Often, only invasive techniques, such as a biopsy, can help diagnose and determine further treatment. One of the reasons for performing thoracic operations on children in Ukraine is tuberculosis. Object. Evaluate our own results of surgical treatment of children and adolescents with pathology of the thoracic cavity. Materials and methods. On January 1, 2019, a pediatric phthisiosurgery center was established. The results of surgical treatment of 34 children for the period from 2019 to 2020 are analyzed. Research results and their discussion. Among the operated patients, males predominated – 18 (52.9%), the average age of patients was 12.9 years (from 4 to 17 years). The majority of patients – 20 (58.8%) were operated on for pulmonary tuberculosis, pleura, intrathoracic lymph nodes. VATS were carried out – 16 (34.0%); 1 pulmonectomy with mediastinal lymph dissection in a 10-year-old girl who was diagnosed with a myofibroblastic tumor of the upper lobe of the left lung with spread to the root of the lung; 1 (2.1%) single-port VATS chest wall biopsy of a 13-year-old boy who was diagnosed with malignant fibrous histiocytoma as a result of pathological morphology. There was no postoperative mortality. Postoperative complications developed in 3 (8.8 %) patients. Conclusions. Surgical treatment makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of treatment of children with pulmonary TB in the epidemiological situation in Ukraine. The VATS lung biopsy is an effective method of diagnosis that can significantly speed up the time of the main diagnosis. If resection surgical treatment of lung pathology in children is necessary, anatomical resections should be preferred. VATS minimally invasive lung resections have advantages over traditional surgery using thoracotomy, due to less trauma and shortening the duration of postoperative inpatient treatment. Implantation of intravenous port systems for long-term infusions is an important element in the treatment of resistant forms of TB, which can improve adherence to treatment and reduce physical and psychological discomfort of the child, and prepare him for further surgery if necessary. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. Key words: Pediatric thoracic surgery, VATS, surgical treatment of children, pediatric phthisiosurgery.

XENOPERICARDIUM IN CONGENITAL AND ACQUIRED DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA IN CHILDREN

A surgical management of extensive diaphragmatic defects is an actual problem in pediatric thoracic surgery. Despite of a large number of existing diaphragmatic prostheses, the search for an ideal plastic material is still going on. Material and methods. The authors analyze the effectiveness of xenopericardium in 15 children, aged 2 days - 17 years, with extensive diaphragmatic defects. Congenital hernia was in 8 (53.3%) patients, recurrence of congenital hernia - in 4 (26.7%) children, acquired hernia - in 3 (20.0%) children. The thoracoscopic approach was applied in 10 (66.7%) patients, thoracotomy - in 2 (13.3%) patients, laparotomy - in 3 (20.0%). Results. Diaphragmatic integrity was restored in all operated children. There were no any relapse of diaphragmatic hernia at the late postoperative period. There were no any xenopericardium rejection either. The article describes two clinical observations. In the first case, a 15-years-old girl with an extensive defect in her left dome of the diaphragm after the resection of lower lobe in the left lung and the diaphragmatic dome because of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma had retoracotomy on the left and prosthetics of the diaphragm with a xenopericardium plate. In the second case, a thoracoscopic plastic surgery on the diaphragmatic dome with a xenopericardium plate was made in a newborn baby with aplasia of the right diaphragm on the 3rd day of his life. A long-lasting effect was obtained in both cases. Conclusions. Diaphragmatic plasty with xenopericardium can be successfully applied in children with extensive congenital and acquired diaphragmatic defects. The surgical technique with xenopericardium is possible both in open surgeries and in thoracoscopic interventions.

The Right Child/Right Surgeon initiative: A position statement on pediatric surgical training, sub-specialization, and continuous certification from the American Pediatric Surgical Association

The past 50 years have witnessed profound changes in the specialty of pediatric surgery in North America. There has been a marked increase in the number of both pediatric surgical training programs and practicing pediatric general and thoracic surgeons. Despite this trend, the population of children in the United States and the birth rate have recently remained relatively flat. Some pediatric surgeons have become “super specialists”, concentrating their practices in oncology or colorectal surgery. This has the potential to result in a dilution of experience for both pediatric surgical trainees and practicing pediatric surgeons, thus limiting their ability to acquire and maintain expertise, respectively. Coincident with this, there has been a relative paradigm shift in recognition that “quality of life” is based more on maintaining a creative balance in lifestyle and is not “all about work”. There has been a parallel growth in the number of practicing pediatric general and thoracic surgeons in urban settings, but we have not appreciated as much growth in rural and underserved areas, where access to pediatric surgical care remains limited and fewer pediatric general and thoracic surgeons practice. This is a complex issue, as some underserved areas are economically depressed and geographically sparse, but others are just underserved with adult providers taking care of children in settings that are often under resourced for pediatric surgical care. This problem may extend beyond the boundaries of pediatric general and thoracic surgery to other specialties. As the premier association representing all pediatric surgeons in the United States, the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) has concluded that the quality of pediatric surgical care will likely decline should the status quo be allowed to continue. Therefore, APSA has initiated a Right Child/Right Surgeon initiative to consider these issues and propose some potential solutions. What follows is a brief statement of intent.

Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in Pediatric Patients From a Chinese Teaching Hospital.

Objective: To study the molecular epidemiological characteristics of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SMA) isolated from patients in a pediatric teaching hospital in Shanghai so as to provide data for the prevention and treatment of SMA.Methods: Non-repetitive SMA strains were isolated from patients from January 2013 to December 2014. The cloning characteristics were analyzed using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and the drug resistance was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk method. Virulence genes and biofilm genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The biofilm forming ability was analyzed using the semi-quantitative biofilm formation test.Results: A total of 104 strains were collected, primarily from the pediatric intensive care unit and thoracic surgery, and these strains were isolated from sputum sources (n = 82). A majority of the patients were male (67/104), and the age range was between 6 days and 12 years old. A total of 95 patients had 1–3 baseline diseases. All of the patients had prior use of 1–4 antimicrobial agents. A total of 59 STs were detected using the MLST analysis, of which 45 were new. The sequence types of the SMA were scattered, with no trend in the clonal spread. The PFGE showed that the 104 strains could be divided into 93 clusters, with no obvious cluster aggregations. All of the strains were susceptible to levofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and minocycline. The positive rates of the virulence genes stmPr1, stmPr2, smf-1, and smlt3773 locus were 98.1, 86.5, 100, and 91.3%, respectively. All of the strains had biofilm formation, and most of the strains had strong biofilm formation abilities. The positive rates of the three biofilm genes rmlA, spgM, and rpfF were 83.7, 100, and 45.2%, respectively. However, the point mutations of rmlA and spgM with strong biofilm formation abilities were significantly different from those with weak biofilm formation abilities.Conclusion: Most infected patients had prior use of antibiotics and underlying diseases, and the positive rate of the virulence gene was high. The strains were susceptible to three kinds of antibiotics and had strong biofilm formation abilities. The mutations of rmlA and spgM may be related to the biofilm formation ability, and no obvious clonal transmissions were found in the same clinical department.