Thoracoscopic Thymectomy in Children: Our Preliminary Experience

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study is to present a preliminary series of six children affected by an anterior mediastinal mass, resulting in a thymoma. We treated this pediatric population by a video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective study from January 2000 to January 2012 of all children affected by an anterior mediastinal mass, resulting in a thymoma. Data included sex, age at surgery, clinical and radiological features, surgical procedure, follow-up, and complications. Results: Video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy was performed in six children (five boys and one girl). Four patients presented with dyspnea and/or thoracic pain treated with analgesic and corticosteroid therapy without any benefits. Two patients were asymptomatic. Preoperatively, exams included radiological imaging, blood, and immunological test. All 6 patients were treated with a thoracoscopic approach; of these patients, 5 were treated with a thoracoscopic right-side thyme...