Extrapleural pneumonectomy in children.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is an en bloc resection of the pleura, lung, diaphragm, and pericardium. EPP in the pediatric population has not been reported in the literature. We report our experience of using EPP in children to treat a variety of malignancies that involve the pleural surface.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all children treated through EPP at our institution. Data were obtained from patient charts and a pediatric database. All patients underwent en bloc resection of the pleura, lung, diaphragm, and pericardium and reconstruction.

RESULTS

Four patients underwent EPP from 2000 to 2004 for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, spindle cell sarcoma, metastatic neuroblastoma, and malignant mesothelioma. The patients' ages were from 6 to 11 years. The patient with metastatic neuroblastoma had recurrent disease in the left chest 1 year after EPP and died of sepsis; the patient with mesothelioma died of disease extension into the abdomen 1.5 years later. The other 2 patients are free of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

EPP can be performed with curative intent in selected pediatric patients with pleural-based malignancies. EPP should be included in the armamentarium of the pediatric thoracic surgeon and evaluated in larger studies.