Thoracoscopic repair for right congenital diaphragmatic hernia

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique and initial results of thoracoscopic repair for the right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). METHODS: Patients underwent surgery under conventional general anesthesia. The operation was carried out by using one optical and two operating trocars. Pleural insufflation with carbon dioxide was maintained at a pressure of 2-4 mm Hg. The hernia defect was repaired by using nonabsorbable interrupted sutures with extracorporeal knots. RESULTS: There were 16 patients, including 13 boys and 3 girls. Six patients were newborns and the other 10 patients were infants or elders. The mean operative time was 82 minutes. Conversion was required in 1 patient. There were no operative or postoperative complications. However, there was one postoperative death. There was one recurrence on postoperative day 39. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 77 months. A normal chest X-ray was shown in all patients. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic repair is feasible and safe for children with a right CDH, including selected newborns.