Thoracoscopic excision of a paraesophageal bronchogenic cyst in a child.

BACKGROUND

Bronchogenic cysts are not uncommon in either children or adults. In children, they comprise approximately 6% of all mediastinal masses. Their presentation can range from an asymptomatic incidental finding to sudden respiratory distress.

CASE REPORT

Video-assisted thoracoscopy was utilized to remove a bronchogenic cyst that was densely adherent to the adjacent esophagus in a child. This was accomplished with a Harmonic scalpel. The chest tube was removed on postoperative day 1, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 2. An esophagogram obtained 2 weeks after surgery was normal, and the patient's preoperative symptoms had not returned.

CONCLUSIONS

Bronchogenic cysts should be considered in the differential diagnoses for mediastinal masses at any age. Given their benign nature, thoracoscopy offers an excellent alternative to open thoracotomy for their removal.