Our pediatric surgeons are highly skilled in minimally invasive and open thoracic surgeries to treat various conditions affecting the chest cavity. These include congenital abnormalities, cysts, tumors, and issues that impact breathing or heart function.
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​Our surgeons specialize in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), a minimally invasive approach using small incisions to reduce scarring and recovery time. Most children recover quickly, returning home within 1-3 days and resuming regular activities soon after.
Congenital Lung Lesions
What is it?
An abnormal area of the lung that occurs during fetal development that may contain cysts or poorly functioning tissue, usually diagnosed before birth by fetal ultrasound.
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Variations
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Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformations (CPAMs): Abnormal lung tissue that may include cysts.
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Bronchopulmonary Sequestrations (BPS): Non-functioning lung tissue with its own blood supply, separate from the normal lung.
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Congenital Lobar Emphysema (CLE): Overinflation of one lung lobe due to abnormal airway development.
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Treatment
Surgery to remove the affected lung portion during infancy to prevent complications like infections or breathing issues.
Thoracic Cysts & Tumors
Examples
Bronchogenic cysts, neurogenic tumors, teratomas, and lymphomas.
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Treatment
Surgical biopsy or removal, often performed minimally invasively.
Thymomas & Myasthenia Gravis
What is it?
Abnormal thymus growth or diseases like myasthenia gravis, which cause muscle weakness.
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Treatment
Surgery to remove the tumor or thymus to alleviate symptoms.
Pneumothorax
What is it?
A collapsed lung caused by air leakage, leading to chest pain and difficulty breathing.
Treatment
Chest tube placement and possibly surgery to remove abnormal lung tissue that is predisposed to collapsing.