Thoracoscopy for Diagnosis and Excision of Mediastinal Masses in Children

We review our experience with the thoracoscopic approach to mediastinal masses with regard to technical feasibility and complications. Ten children aged 3 to 16 years had 12 thoracoscopic procedures for 5 anterior and 5 posterior mediastinal masses. Ten procedures were completed thoracoscopically and two converted to immediate thoracotomy. A third patient required a delayed thoracotomy for postoperative bleeding. A tissue diagnosis was made in …