Results of surgical treatment of congenital lung malformation in adults: surgical evolution from thoracotomy to video-assisted thoracic surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital malformation of the lung is an overarching term and consist of bronchogenic cyst, pulmonary sequestration, congenital cystic adenoid malformation, congenital lobar emphysema, bronchial atresia and enteric duplication cyst. To prevent future complications surgery is always almost needed even in asymptomatic patients.

Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to review our experience in surgical intervention for congenital lung disease. We also aim to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in this patient group and to emphasize its increasing use over the years.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 94 patients diagnosed with a congenital lung malformation and surgically treated in our clinic between January 2009 and May 2019.

Results: From January 2009 to May 2019, a total of 94 patients fitted the criteria for inclusion in this retrospective study. The median age was 41, with a range of 16 to 78 years. The mean postoperative length of hospital stays, and drainage duration were longer in the VATS group, but this data wasn't statistically significant (p>0.005). There wasn't a significant difference between VATS and thoracotomy group in perioperative complications.

Conclusions: In conclusion, in this study there is no significant differences between vats and thoracotomy groups in terms of intraoperative and perioperative data, but because of its possible and described benefits minimal invasive surgical techniques should be considered as the first choice in the surgical treatment of patients with congenital lung malformations.