Transaxillary minithoracotomy in intrathoracic surgery for 316 infants and children.

OBJECTIVE

To introduce the technique of intrathoracic surgery performed through vertical transaxillary minithoracotomy.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

All of the patients were successfully treated under satisfactory exposure. No operative mortality and severe postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrathoracic surgery performed through a vertical transaxillary minithoracotomy appears to be less invasive, and is a simple, safe, cosmetically acceptable and efficient approach.