Transaxillary minithoracotomy in intrathoracic surgery for 316 infants and children / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To introduce the technique of intrathoracic surgery performed through vertical transaxillary minithoracotomy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 1989 to March 2001, 316 patients underwent intrathoracic surgery through a vertical transaxillary minithoracotomy. 285 patients suffered from patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), 10 congenital esophageal atresia, 8 congenital pulmonary cysts, 6 congenital emphysema, 1 pulmonary sequestration, 5 mediastinal tumor, and 1 eventration of the diaphragm.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All of the patients were successfully treated under satisfactory exposure. No operative mortality and severe postoperative complications occurred.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Intrathoracic surgery performed through a vertical transaxillary minithoracotomy appears to be less invasive, and is a simple, safe, cosmetically acceptable and efficient approach.</p>